U.S. State Dept. Warns of Venezuelan "Emergency"

U.S. State Dept. Bulletin, February 27, 2004

This Public Announcement is being issued to update US citizens on the
current political situation in Venezuela. It supersedes the Public
Announcement of February 11, 2004, and will expire on May 25, 2004.

The political situation remains fluid. The Venezuelan Electoral
Council (CNE) continues to consider whether it will ratify either the
opposition or pro-government signature petitions, aimed at gaining
approval for a recall referendum of President Chavez and a number of
pro-government and opposition legislators. Political demonstrations,
with potential for violence, may take place during this period of
uncertainty. U.S. citizens should avoid all demonstrations and areas
where groups are gathering. Additionally, they should monitor radio
and TV broadcasts for new developments.In the case of an emergency or for the latest security information,
the U.S. Embassy can be reached by e-mail at
consularcaracas@state.gov or by telephone at 58-212-975-9777 during
working hours. Up to date information on security conditions 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 1-317-472-
2328. For further information, please see the Consular Information
Sheet for Venezuela and the Worldwide Public Announcement on the
Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at
http://travel.state.gov.

http://travel.state.gov/venezuela_announce.html