Warden Message

Protest in Pristina

September 14, 2009

The group Self-Determination Movement (Albanian: Vetevendosje) has announced that a demonstration will take place in the Pristina city center, Monday, September 14th, at noon (12:00 pm).  The U.S. Embassy has advised its personnel to adjust their travel plans to avoid the areas of the demonstrations.

Demonstrations take place in Kosovo from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  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 the areas of demonstrations if possible, 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. 

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website, http://pristina.usembassy.gov, and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

American citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.  The Embassy is located at 30 Nazim Hikmet St. in the Dragodan area of Pristina. The telephone number is (381) 38-5959-3000, e-mail: consularpristina@state.gov. The web site is http://pristina.usembassy.gov/.