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From the Edinburgh Warden
Dear American Citizen
This Public Announcement is being
updated to alert Americans to an increased potential for anti-American
violence, including terrorist actions against U.S. citizens, as a result
of the military action in Iraq. The U.S. Government remains deeply
concerned about the security of Americans overseas. American citizens are
reminded that it is more important than ever to maintain a high level of
vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security
awareness. Please feel free to share this information with Americans and
other interested parties in your area. This Worldwide Caution supersedes
that issued on February 6, 2003 and expires on July 20, 2003.
As a result of military action in Iraq, there is a potential for
retaliatory actions to be taken against U.S. citizens and interests
throughout the world. Public demonstrations carry the potential for
precipitating violence directed at American citizens, symbols associated
with the United States or other U.S. and western interests.
The threat to U.S. citizens includes the
risk of attacks by terrorist groups. Terrorist actions may include, but
are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings or kidnappings. Possible
threats include conventional weapons such as explosive devices or
non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents.
Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.
These may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners
congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places
of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and
beaches. U.S. citizens should increase their security awareness at such
locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in
large numbers generally do not congregate.
U.S. Government facilities worldwide
remain at a heightened state of alert and some have drawn down their
dependents and/or personnel. These facilities may temporarily close or
suspend public services from time to time for security reasons. In those
instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide
emergency services to American citizens. Monitor the local news and the
Embassy website and other websites listed below. In case of an emergency
outside of business hours or during any suspension of public services,
American citizens may reach the Consulate Duty Officer at 01224-857097.
As the Department continues to develop
information on any potential security threats to Americans overseas, it
shares credible threat information through its Consular Information
Program documents, available on the Internet at
http://travel.state.gov. In
addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can get up-to-date
information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S.
and outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 317-472-2328.
The following U.S. and UK websites may
also be of interest to American Citizens residing in the UK. U.S. and UK
Internet information sources:
UK Websites
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www.ukresilience.gov.uk (UK Civil Contingencies Secretariat) - the
best source of information about civil situations such as heightened
security at Heathrow, firefighter strikes, etc.
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www.met.police.uk
(Metropolitan Police website) - Crime and safety information, updates on
demonstrations. Also information on the Lifesavers Program; toll-free,
confidential Terrorist information hotline (0800 789-321) for reporting
suspicious people or activity callers feel may be related to terrorism.
Remember in case of local emergency, to summon police/fire/ambulance,
dial 999.
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www.homeoffice.gov.uk (UK Home Office information, links to several
UK Gov't. sites)
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www.open.gov.uk
("the easy way to [UK] government information and services on-line")
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www.fco.gov.uk
(Foreign and Commonwealth Office) - Travel information, British Embassy
links
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www.doh.gov.uk
(Department of Health and National Health System)
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www.redcross.org.uk
(British Red Cross)
US websites
As always, you can find timely and
helpful information and links to the above sites on our website at
www.usembassy.org.uk
Thank you. |
