WARDEN INFORMATION

Embassy Ankara Warden Message 28

November 24, 2006

There is a demonstration planned for Sunday, November 26 at 1200 hours in the Sisli-Çağlayan section of Istanbul. The Sisli-Çağlayan section is situated adjacent to the E-5/D-100 highway, which connects to several main streets that lead to the popular Taksim and Beyoğlu districts. The demonstration is being organized by the Felicity Party ("Saadet Partisi") to protest Pope Benedict XVI’s upcoming visit to Turkey. In the past similar demonstrations at Çağlayan have drawn tens of thousands of people. At a minimum expect several street closures and considerable traffic delays. Please plan your day accordingly.

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can become confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. As is always the case while overseas, Americans should exercise caution and good judgment, keep a low profile, and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security.

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, Public Announcements, 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 at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131. The Internet address 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. Istanbul-specific information can also be accessed via the Consulate's website 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,web site at http://adana.usconsulate.gov