terrorism alert
We really hate to have to spoil the light-hearted mood we always try to maintain here at Romebuddy.com, but the fact remains that there are elements at large in the world today whose avowed intent is to seriously spoil the fun of Americans, and the friends of America, wherever they may be.
skip intro and go straight to the alert...
Italy
is a major tourist destination for Americans, thus we keep in touch with
the United States Diplomatic Mission here in Rome, and on this page we
post any routine alerts we receive from the US Consulate.
Below (in
italics)
is their latest bulletin, and of course, much of it applies to
non-Americans visiting Italy as well.
The so-called 'anti-war' protestors who march through the streets of Rome
or any other world city in defence of so-called 'peace' would do well
to consider that in nations such as Iraq, the people were not allowed
to march in protest against anything at variance with the wishes of their
state and their state religion.
But let us, with patience, try to forgive these young agitators "for they know not what they do", and pray that all and each of us who dwell or sojourn in free Europe will maintain a level head in these coming days, months and years, and try to live in peace with our neighbours, whether they be our guests or our hosts. In other words, don't let it spoil your holiday. Try to spread a little love and kindness, and enjoy what's on offer in Italy and her culture, and from the normally friendly, welcoming and generous-spirited Italians.
When visiting Rome, remember, you are a guest in someone else's country. And you are also an ambassador for your own country. Every eye is on you. So try to behave, and set a good example. Look after the little things that fall to your personal responsibility as a citizen and international traveller on this planet, and then maybe, just maybe, the big things will start to take care of themselves.
In the meantime, pray, and watch your back, and read and absorb carefully the US Embassy bulletins quoted below for your personal safety.
As a matter of routine, the US Consulate always advises any American visitor to Italy (or any foreign country) to always register your presence in Italy with the local US Consulate or Embassy as soon after your arrival on foreign soil as possible. This is for your own good, and can help them get in touch with you in case of any emergency evacuation of US citizens.
For more information, don't hesitate to click on the direct link below to the US Embassy and Consulate.
Now here's the most recent US Embassy bulletin:
U.S.
EMBASSY, ROME
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
March 9, 2005
PLEASE CHANGE YOUR ON-LINE REGISTRATION: If you
have not already done so, please register with the US Embassy using their
new internet-based registration system, located at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
This Public Announcement is being updated to remind U.S. citizens of the
continuing threat of terrorist actions and anti-American violence against
U.S. citizens and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution
dated September 10, 2004 and expires on September 7, 2005. The Department
of State is deeply concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks
against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, as well as the potential for
demonstrations and violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests
overseas. U.S. citizens are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can
occur at any time. In reaction to the execution of hostages in Iraq, there
have been demonstrations and associated violence in the hostages' country
of origin. While Americans are generally not the targets in such incidents,
U.S. citizens could be caught up in the violence. U.S. citizens are reminded
to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to
increase their security awareness. The Department of State remains concerned
by indications that al-Qaida and affiliated groups continue to prepare
to strike U.S. interests abroad. Al-Qaida and its associated organizations
have struck in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Future al-Qaida
attacks could possibly involve non-conventional weapons such as chemical
or biological agents as well as conventional weapons of terror, to include
explosive devices. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited
to assassinations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may involve
aviation and other transportation and maritime interests. Terrorists do
not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include
facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit,
including residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places
of worship, schools, hotels and public areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged
to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to
increase their security awareness. U.S. Government facilities worldwide
remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily
close or suspend public services from time to time to assess their security
posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every
effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad
are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://www.travel.state.gov. 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. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.
End of bulletin
The
U.S. Embassy Consular Section in Rome is located at Via Boncompagni 2.
The American Consulate General in Milan is located at Via Principe Amedeo
2/10, tel: 39-02-290351;
The American Consulate General in Florence is located at Via Vespucci
38, tel: 39-055-266-591; The American Consulate General in Naples is located
at Piazza della Repubblica, tel: 39-081-5838111.
Consular
Agents are located in:
Genoa: Via Dante 2
Trieste: Via Roma 15
Palermo: Via Vaccarini 1
For additional information, please see the Department of Homeland Security website at http://www.dhs.gov
The address of the US Embassy in Rome is:
Via Vittorio
Veneto 119/A
00187 Roma
tel 06 467 41
fax 06 4882 672 or 06 4674 2356
They also
have their own
website:
www.usembassy.it
click
here for more US Consular
Information and Travel Warnings
click
for embassy and consulate
addresses for other countries
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