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O 121049Z AUG 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 086171
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC PTER OTRA ASEC GG RS
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - GEORGIA
1. This Travel Warning updates information on the
current security situation in Georgia. In light of the
continued aerial bombings of civilian and military
targets in several areas of the country, the Department
of State warns U.S. citizens to defer non-essential
travel to Georgia and recommends that all U.S. citizens
depart Georgia.
2. American citizens who remain in Georgia despite this
and earlier warnings are urged to continue to review
their personal security situations, to take appropriate
action to ensure their safety, and should consider
relocating to a safe location. Private Americans are
encouraged to follow the precautions detailed below and
to remain in close communication with the American
Embassy in Tbilisi for more detailed information. This
Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Georgia
issued August 8, 2008.
3. On August 10 and 11, two Embassy-coordinated convoys
of American citizens departed Georgia for Armenia. A
third convoy, made up of buses and other vehicles, is
scheduled for Wednesday, August 13. American citizens
interested in joining the convoy should call the
consular section at 995-32-27-70-00, ext. 7137 or ext.
7003, or 899-57-39-69. The Consular Section of the US
Embassy has suspended visa processing at this time, but
is open 24 hours for American Citizens Services until
further notice. Peace Corps temporarily relocated
trainees and volunteers to Armenia on August 11. The
Peace Corps office in Tbilisi remains open for business.
At this time, Embassy personnel are unable to travel to
western Georgia because of the security situation.
American citizens in Georgia are advised to contact the
U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi as soon as possible to register
and provide information on their current situation.
Americans in western Georgia are advised to depart the
country if possible. If safe departure is not possible,
Americans in western Georgia are advised to remain in
place and maintain contact with the consular section of
the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi pending further guidance.
4. American citizens should monitor the U.S. Embassy
website http://georgia.usembassy.gov and stay in contact
with family and friends in the United States. American
citizens in Tbilisi may also tune in to Radio Syndicati
at FM 104.3 or throughout Georgia at Radio Green Wave at
FM 107.4 for updated U.S. Embassy warden message
information.
5. Family members and friends unable to verify the
safety and welfare of U.S. citizens in the affected area
should call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United
States and Canada, or from other areas via a regular
toll line at 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens in the area
are urged to monitor the local news. Those residing or
traveling in Georgia are reminded to register with the
U.S. Embassy either online at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs or in person
at U.S. Embassy Tbilisi so that they can obtain updated
information on travel and security. By registering,
American citizens make it easier for the embassy to
contact them in case of emergency.
6. The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi is located at 11 George
Balanchine Street (in Didi Dighomi), Tbilisi 0131,
Georgia, tel: 995-32-27-70-00. The after-hours
emergency number is 995-99-57-39-69, or, if dialing
locally on a mobile telephone, 899-57-39-69.
7. For the latest security information, Americans
living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the
Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs internet web
site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current
Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings,
Country Specific Information, and health information
resources can be found. Up-to-date information on
security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747
STATE 00086171 002 OF 002
toll free in the United States, or for callers outside
the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-
202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through
Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
RICE