Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens #6

March 5, 2010

This Warden Message is being sent to alert U.S. citizens in Turkey about evolving political events that may have an impact on them.
 
On March 4, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives voted to request a vote by the full House on House Resolution 252, a non-binding resolution connected with Armenia and the events of 1915.  Given the sensitivity in Turkey of the issues dealt with in the resolution, there is the possibility of demonstrations and/or other manifestations in protest of this vote.  
 
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to be alert to the potential for demonstrations, and to avoid large gatherings.  Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to avoid areas of demonstrations if possible.  Particular caution should be exercised in places known to be frequented by Americans. 
 
U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  

U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor local news media, the U.S. Embassy’s website and the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs website where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad", which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:
 
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131.  Internet address of U.S. Embassy in Ankara (http://ankara.usembassy.gov).
 
The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Kaplicalar Mevkii Sokak No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102.  Istanbul-specific information can also be accessed via the Consulate's web site at (http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov).
 
The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916, U.S. Consulate in Adana web site (http://adana.usconsulate.gov).
 
The Consular Agency in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232) 464-8755.