Embassy Ankara Warden Message #5

November 20, 2009

This Warden Message is being sent to alert U.S. citizens in Ankara to the possibility that there will be an anti – U.S. demonstration today, 20 November 2009, at Yuksel Caddesi, between 1730 – 1930 hours.  The demonstration is organized by a leftist Non-Government Organization group called, “Halk Cephesi.”  According to the Turkish National Police, the group will be demanding the closing of Incirlik Air Force Base.  The demonstrators will begin their march from Sakarya Square and proceed to Yuksel Caddesi.  The Turkish National Police expect up to 100 demonstrators to attend.  Please adjust your routes and avoid this area during these times. 

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.  

Citizens traveling and residing in Turkey are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov. 

 For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. 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 Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

 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.  The website is 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.  at the website is 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.  The website is http://adana.usconsulate.gov.

 The Consular Agent in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232) 464-8755.