Dear Warden:

Below please find a Warden Message from the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia.  Please share this warden message with any U.S. citizens in Bolivia with whom you have contact.

We hope this information is useful to you.  If we may provide further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

American Citizen Services Unit
U.S. Embassy La Paz, Bolivia

WARDEN MESSAGE
U.S. EMBASSY LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
November 13, 2007

This Warden Message is being issued to alert American citizens traveling to and residing in Bolivia to the possibility of increased political and social tensions and potential violence. 

*  National Transportation Strike in Bolivia:   The Bolivian press is reporting that the Driver's Union of Bolivia (the "Confederacion de Choferes de Bolivia") has announced a national transportation strike commencing on Wednesday, November 14, 2007.   The strike is currently scheduled to last for 24 hours, but press reports indicate that the strike could be extended to 48 or 72 hours.  Press reports suggest that there may be limited mobility within some areas of the country on that day, and that roads may be blockaded in support of the strike.   Press reports have also indicated that truck drivers may attempt to block access at Bolivia's international borders. 

*  Santa Cruz Airport Authority Strike:   The Bolivian press is also reporting that the Santa Cruz Administration and Auxiliary Services of Aerial Navigation ("AASANA Santa Cruz") plans to suspend services for twenty-four hours commencing at 8:00pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2007.   All domestic and international flights in and out of Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz may be canceled as a result. 

*  Ongoing Protests in Sucre:  The Bolivian press is also reporting that protests, demonstrations and clashes between opposing social groups continue to take place in Sucre related to an ongoing debate over the future of Bolivia's Constituent Assembly process.  

*   We recommend that American Citizens exercise caution and stay away from any related blockades, protests, or demonstrations, as press reports indicate there is the potential for confrontations between opposing groups.   Since the timing and routes of marches, protests, and demonstrations are always subject to change, American citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments.   We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence at any time.  American citizens are encouraged to avoid areas where mass assemblies and demonstrations are expected to occur.

 *   American citizens should also be aware of frequent demonstrations and blockades in Bolivia, and are encouraged to contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz with any questions (our contact information is located below).  Roadblocks may affect the routes to and from airports and in and out of cities with little or no prior notice.  Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to run a roadblock.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found.  Additional information is available in the Consular Information Sheet for Bolivia at http://travel.state.gov and on our Embassy website at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov.

Current information on travel and security in Bolivia may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or, from overseas, 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).  American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia, via e-mail at consularlapaz@state.gov or by telephone at (591-2) 216-8297 during working hours or (591-2) 216-8500 after hours and on weekends.  The Consular Section is located in the U.S. Embassy at 2780 Arce Avenue in La Paz, Bolivia.  The Santa Cruz Consular Agency can be reached by telephone at (591-3) 351-3477 and the Cochabamba Consular Agency can be reached by telephone at (591-4) 411-6313.