U.S. State Department Announcement on Iraq
The U.S. Department of State on February 5, 1998, issued a "Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution" to American citizens throughout the world. Following is the official text of the State Department announcement.
"The Government of Iraq continues to defy the international community by refusing United Nations representatives full access to inspect and verify Iraq's weapons of mass destruction programs. In response, the United States has dispatched military forces to the Middle East. While diplomatic options have not been exhausted, the Government of Iraq continues to make provocative and confrontational statements indicating its unwillingness to comply with UN resolutions.
U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad are advised to exercise greater than usual caution. The Travel Warning of June 25, 1997, advising Americans against travel to Iraq remains in effect.
While at this time we know of no specific threats to U.S. citizens or interests overseas in relation to the present situation in Iraq, we cannot discount the possibility of random acts of anti-American violence. U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide are taking appropriate security precautions. U.S. citizens planning to travel abroad should consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets and regional travel brochures, and refer to the Department's advisories on security awareness overseas. Department of State travel information and publications are available at Internet address http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington D.C. at (202) 647-5225 from a touch-tone phone, or may receive information by automated fax by dialing (202) 647-3000."
American citizens residing or traveling in Taiwan may contact the American Institute in Taiwan Office of American Citizen Services for up-to-date information on security conditions.
This Public Announcement expires April 30, 1998.
"The Government of Iraq continues to defy the international community by refusing United Nations representatives full access to inspect and verify Iraq's weapons of mass destruction programs. In response, the United States has dispatched military forces to the Middle East. While diplomatic options have not been exhausted, the Government of Iraq continues to make provocative and confrontational statements indicating its unwillingness to comply with UN resolutions.
U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad are advised to exercise greater than usual caution. The Travel Warning of June 25, 1997, advising Americans against travel to Iraq remains in effect.
While at this time we know of no specific threats to U.S. citizens or interests overseas in relation to the present situation in Iraq, we cannot discount the possibility of random acts of anti-American violence. U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide are taking appropriate security precautions. U.S. citizens planning to travel abroad should consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets and regional travel brochures, and refer to the Department's advisories on security awareness overseas. Department of State travel information and publications are available at Internet address http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington D.C. at (202) 647-5225 from a touch-tone phone, or may receive information by automated fax by dialing (202) 647-3000."
American citizens residing or traveling in Taiwan may contact the American Institute in Taiwan Office of American Citizen Services for up-to-date information on security conditions.
This Public Announcement expires April 30, 1998.