INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Bolivia: Request Usg Visitors Postpone Travel

Published: Fri 19 Sep 2008 09:09 PM
VZCZCXYZ0009
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHLP #2037 2632112
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 192112Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY LA PAZ
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8588
INFO RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 8359
RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 5716
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 9678
RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES 6897
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 3969
RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA 4281
RUEHMN/AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO 5791
RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO 6586
RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO 1343
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0123
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC
RHMFISS/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
C O N F I D E N T I A L LA PAZ 002037
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/20/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER PINR ASEC OVIP CASC BL
SUBJECT: BOLIVIA: REQUEST USG VISITORS POSTPONE TRAVEL
REF: A. LA PAZ 2000
B. LA PAZ 1954
Classified By: A/DCM Mike Hammer for reasons 1.4 (b)(d) 1. (C) Embassy La Paz went to country-wide authorized departure on September 12 (reftels) due to escalating violence in the eastern departments of Bolivia (Media Luna), severe transportation restrictions/closed airports, the potential for demonstrations/attacks aimed at U.S. Mission buildings and personnel, fuel and food scarcities in the east and the potential for the same in La Paz, and the potential impact of deteriorating bilateral relations on the security of mission personnel. The Embassy is approving country clearance requests for TDY travel to Bolivia on a case-by-case basis, approving only what is deemed essential. The Embassy asks USG personnel planning travel to or through Bolivia to please postpone trips at least until the end of the minimum period of authorized departure, October 12, and to reassess travel plans after October 13. 2. (C) The political situation in Bolivia remains fluid and unpredictable. Post suggests USG personnel planning to travel to Bolivia check with the Bolivian Desk Officer or the Embassy's Web site and Department of State travel advisories before making plans or requesting country clearances. The potential for political violence and unrest could continue for an indefinite period. URS
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