News for American Citizens

What's new (Archive for 2007)

• Warden Message - Avian Flu Detected in the Danube Delta (Updated November 28, 2007)
• California Wildfires – Contact Information for Public Inquiries
• Security Alert: Demonstration in Constitutiei Square, Bucharest, Sunday, April 22, 2007
• Security Alert: Demonstration in University Square, Bucharest, Thursday, April 19, 2007
• U.S. Information Office in Cluj to Close
• Public Announcement: World Cross-Country Championship
• The Consular Section Will Be Closed on Friday, February 23
• International Financial Scams – Internet Dating, Inheritance, Work Permits, Overpayment, and Money-Laundering (Adobe .PDF File)
• Policy-Connect Collaborative Research Grants
• Warden Message: Avian Influenza: How to Prepare for "Sheltering-In-Place"

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Avian Flu Detected in the Danube Delta

During the previous two days, a small number of domestic bird (chicken) deaths have been reported in the village of Murighiol in the Danube Delta. Specifically, the virus was found in several chickens in a single household which is located in a rural area of Tulcea County. The local laboratories have confirmed H5N1 virus. Samples were also sent to the reference lab in the UK (Weybridge) for confirmation. This incident is coincidental with a seasonal wave of wild bird migration from NE Europe and W Asia towards Romania and Southern Europe.

Meanwhile, the Romanian veterinarian authorities, together with the police and public health officials, have started the following:

• Collection and destruction through incineration of all dead birds and live poultry in the affected household, with possible enlargement of the area based on local monitoring.
• Chemical disinfection of all households and farms within the affected area.
• Vaccination of human population in the affected area with the Influenza Vaccine.
• Disinfection filters were installed at the entrances to the village.

Please Note: No quarantine was instituted in the area according to local reporting. For the time being there are no human cases of Avian Flu in Romania, nor have their been any cases of human-to-human transmission.

As a general precaution, basic human flu preventive measures include the following:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Eat a well balanced, healthy diet
• If you are sick, stay home
• Get plenty of rest

Keys to safer food:

• Separate raw meat from cooked or ready to eat foods and do not use the same chopping board or knife
• Do not handle both raw and cooked foods without washing your hands in between
• Do not use raw or soft-boiled eggs in food preparations that will not be heat treated or cooked
• Keep clean with soap and water. Wash your hands after handling frozen, thawed, or raw chicken or eggs.
• Thoroughly wash surfaces and utensils that have been in contact with raw meat
• Cook all poultry thoroughly, this will inactivate viruses.
• Egg yolks should not be eaten when runny or liquid

Precautions to take if you are going to be in an area affected by bird flu:

• Avoid contact with chickens, ducks or other poultry and their waste
• Children are at higher risk; teach them to avoid contact with birds
• Do not keep birds as pets
• Wash hand with soap and water after any contact
• Do not transport birds, even if you think they are healthy
• Do not prepare poultry from affected areas
• If you unintentionally come into contact with poultry in an affected area:
  • Wash your hands immediately with soap and water
  • Remove shoes outside the house and clean them well
  • Call your health care provider if you have any fever

Hopefully,we will not have need for the following, but we would like to include as this seems a good occasion for a general reminder.

Planning for a Pandemic

You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family. This checklist will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.

1. To plan for a pandemic:
• Store a two week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.
• Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
• Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
• Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.
2. To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection:
• Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water, and model the correct behavior.
• Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and be sure to model that behavior.
• Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick. Stay home from work and school if sick.
3. Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:

Examples of food and non-perishables	Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups	Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
Protein or fruit bars	Soap and water, or alcohol-based (60-95%) hand wash
Dry cereal or granola	Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Peanut butter or nuts	Thermometer
Dried fruit	Anti-diarrhea medication
Crackers	Vitamins
Canned juices	Fluids with electrolytes
Bottled water	Cleansing agent/soap
Canned or jarred baby food and formula	Flashlight
Pet food	Batteries
Other non-perishable items	Portable radio
	Manual can opener
	Garbage bags
	Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers

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California Wildfires – Contact Information for Public Inquiries:

The following are county-based contact numbers for public inquiries and for outreach to local American communities:

The American Red Cross Safe and Well website (www.safeandwell.org) allows concerned family and friends to search a list of those who have registered themselves as “safe and well”.

Other useful websites for updates include the State of California’s Office of Emergency Services (www.oes.ca.gov), the State of California’s Deparment of Forestry and Fire Protection (www.fire.ca.gov), and the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org).

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Security Alert: Demonstration in Constitutiei Square, Bucharest,
Sunday, April 22, 2007

A rally in support of President Traian Basescu has been announced for Sunday, April 22 from 5 to 20 P.M., in Piata Constitutei at the base of the hill of the Palace of Parliament. We wish to 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 area of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

The Embassy is located at 7-9 Str. Tudor Arghezi, Bucharest, Romania. During regular business hours you may contact the Embassy American Citizen Services office at 021-200-3300, or by email at acsbucharest@state.gov. The emergency after-hours telephone number is 021-200-3433.

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Security Alert: Demonstration in University Square, Bucharest
Thursday, April 19, 2007

Following today’s vote by Parliament to suspend President Traian Basescu, a demonstration to support the President has formed in University Square in downtown Bucharest. Initial information indicates there has been no permit issued for the gathering. As of 5:15 p.m. the crowd had grown to about 500 persons. It is anticipated this number would continue to increase as the President was expected at 6:00 p.m. to speak to the crowd. The first lane of Magheru Boulevard in front of the National Theatre is now closed. Both Police and Gendarmes are onsite to monitor the crowd. We wish to 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.

The Embassy is located at 7-9 Str. Tudor Arghezi, Bucharest, Romania. During regular business hours you may contact the Embassy American Citizens Services office at 021-200-3300, or by email at acsbucharest@state.gov . The emergency after-hours telephone number is 021-200-3433.

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U.S. Information Office in Cluj to Close

The U.S. Information Office in Cluj-Napoca will close on May 3, 2007. As of Monday, April 30, American Citizens Services will be available only through the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest.

American citizens requiring consular services, not related to U.S. visas, will find answers to many of their questions at http://bucharest.usembassy.gov/US_Citizen_Services/. Personal answers and services may be requested by email to acsbucharest@state.gov, by phone to (021) 200-3300, or in person at the consular section, located in Bucharest at Str. Nicolae Filipescu 26, Sector 2, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Romanians and third country nationals needing visas for travel to the U.S. can access complete U.S. visa information, free of charge, at http://bucharest.usembassy.gov/visas. As explained on that site, anyone wishing live, personal answers to non-immigrant visa questions may contact the Visa Information Service (VIS) upon payment of U.S. $11.00 at any branch of Banca Transilvania by calling the VIS and using their personal identification number (PIN).

Forms required for U.S. citizen and visa services are available online at the websites above.

At the new American Corner in Cluj-Napoca hosted by the "Octavian Goga" County Library which was opened in December 2006, citizens and institutions from Cluj-Napoca and the surrounding area now have access a wide variety of informational and cultural resources. The American Corner Cluj Napoca, which is linked directly to the American Cultural Center in Bucharest, maintains Internet stations for research and a book and multi-media collection on America and serves as a venue for informational and cultural programs about the USA. Please go to the American Corner’s webpage at http://bucharest.usembassy.gov/American_Corners to see all it has to offer.

Românã: Comunicat de presa

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Public Announcement: World Cross-Country Championship

1. This Public Announcement is being issued to alert American citizens about the World Cross-Country Championship taking place in Mombasa, Kenya on March 24, 2007. Americans planning travel to Mombasa for this event are strongly advised to take appropriate measures to ensure their personal safety and property.

2. The U.S. Government continues to be concerned about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. We can not discount the possibility that any large-scale public events, such as the World Cross-Country Championship, could become the focus of terrorist acts or other forms of violence, or public demonstrations. U.S. citizens planning to attend or participate in this event are, therefore, advised to use caution and stay alert to their surroundings at all times. American citizens should avoid demonstrations, and are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and quickly escalate into violence.

3. Americans are also advised to be alert to their personal property, especially in crowded areas where pick- pocketing is a possibility.

4. For the latest security information, Americans traveling to Kenya should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, East Africa Public Announcement, and Kenya Travel Warning can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, 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)

5. U.S. citizens traveling to Kenya are required to have a valid passport and visa. Visas should be obtained in advance, although airport visas are available. Travelers who opt to obtain an airport visa should expect delays upon arrival. There is a fee for the visa, whether obtained in advance or at the airport. Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested. Travelers may obtain the latest information on visas as well as any additional details regarding entry requirements from the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 387-6101, or the Kenyan Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York City. Persons outside the United States should contact the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate. To learn more about country-specific entry requirements, please visit http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html.

6. U.S. citizens are also advised that the higher than normal tourist volume in Kenya during this period may increase by several days the replacement time for lost or stolen passports. All travelers are urged to protect valuable personal items at all times, including passports, credit cards, jewelry and other personal valuables, in order to guard against loss or theft.

7. The Department of State urges Americans traveling overseas to ensure they have adequate medical insurance, including insurance for medical evacuations. Medicare recipients should know that Medicare does not cover medical expenses abroad. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise personal safety at all times and to travel with a friends or companions when visiting unfamiliar places. Practicing personal safety measures can effectively reduce the risk of being a victim of violent crime, sexual assault, general assault or extortion. For more information, see the State Department's flyer Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad.

8. Americans living or traveling in Kenya are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Kenya. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S Embassy is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (254)(20) 363- 6000; fax (254)(20) 363-6410. In the event of an after- hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (254)(20) 363-6170. The Embassy's international mailing address is P.O. Box 606, Village Market 00621, Nairobi, Kenya. Mail using U.S. domestic postage may be addressed to Unit 64100, APO AE 09831. The Embassy home page is http://kenya.usembassy.gov.

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The Consular Section Will Be Closed on Friday, February 23

The Consular Section of the American Embassy in Bucharest will be closed for regular services on Friday, February 23, 2007. In case of an emergency involving an American citizen, you may phone the Embassy at 40-21-200-3300. The Consular Section will reopen for all services on Monday, February 26.

If you require information or assistance from American Citizen Services and cannot find the information you need on our web site please email us at acsbucharest@state.gov. If you have questions regarding visa matters, please email us at visasbucharest@state.gov.

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Policy-Connect Collaborative Research Grants

IREX is pleased to announce the 2007 Policy-Connect Collaborative Research Grants competition. IREX’s Policy-Connect program seeks to attract, select, and support advanced research by US experts in policy-relevant subject areas related to Southeast Europe and Eurasia, facilitate collaboration among and between US and international scholars, and disseminate knowledge about Europe and Eurasia to a wide network of constituents in the United States and abroad.

Policy-Connect provides American scholars with the means and support necessary to conduct research, particularly on lesser-studied regions such as the Balkans, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, where issues central to the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States must be studied. The knowledge and expertise gained by the grant recipients become a valuable resource for the policymaking community, as the scholars share the results of their research through research briefs, policy fora, and individual meetings.

The Policy-Connect Program provides fellowships to US scholars and professionals for overseas research on contemporary political, economic, historical, or cultural developments relevant to US foreign policy. Fellowships support collaborative teams of two or three US scholars and professionals for up to 12 months. Upon completion of the project, scholars will be requested to present their research findings at a Policy Forum at the US Department of State and to write a short policy paper.

This year applications will be accepted for research on the following topics and regions:

• Eurasia & Southeast Europe: ethnic and religious conflict, transition economics, access to information, youth and women’s issues, and citizen participation in politics and civil society.
• Cross-regional: Post-Soviet relations between Eurasia and the Middle East/North Africa and/or South Asia.

Eligible Countries of Research Focus

• Eurasia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
• Southeast Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro.
• Cross-regional: Countries of Eurasia (see above) and Algeria, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen.

Applications and supporting materials for Policy-Connect Collaborative Research Grants are available on the IREX website at: http://www.irex.org/programs/policy-connect/index.asp

• Grant Award: Up to $30,000
• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Application Deadline: April 1, 2007

Policy-Connect Collaborative Research Grants are funded by the US Department of State’s Title VIII Program and John J. and Nancy Lee Roberts.

Questions may be addressed to the Policy-Connect Program Staff at policyconnect@irex.org or by calling (202) 628-8188.

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Warden Message: Avian Influenza: How to Prepare for "Sheltering-In-Place"

The following information was prepared by the U.S. Department of State for distribution to American citizens residing abroad.

Health professionals are concerned that the continued spread of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus among animals in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe has the potential to significantly threaten human health. If a virus such as H5N1 mutates and spreads easily from one person to another, avian influenza may break out globally. While there are no reports of sustained human-to-human transmission of avian influenza, the U.S. government and international health agencies are preparing for a possible pandemic.

Depending on the severity of a pandemic, commercial airlines might drastically curtail or even cease operations. Travel restrictions could also impede people from returning to the United States or fleeing to other countries. For these reasons, it may make more sense to "shelter-in- place" (i.e., stay home and practice "social distancing" to avoid contagion) for an appropriate period of time.

United States Residents: The Department of Health and Human Services suggests that US residents prepare two weeks of emergency supplies (food, water, medicines, etc.) in order to shelter-in-place during an influenza pandemic.

American Citizens Abroad: Due to varying conditions overseas, Americans abroad should evaluate their situation and prepare emergency supplies accordingly (non-perishable food, potable water, medicines, etc.) for the possibility of sheltering-in-place for at least two and up to twelve weeks. Water purification techniques such as boiling, filtering and/or adding chlorine to locally available rainwater, swimming pools, lakes, rivers and wells may replace the need to store large quantities of water.

What can you do on a daily basis? Cover your cough. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to eradicate viruses and bacteria or apply a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol content when soap and water are not available. Stay home if you are sick. Vaccinate yourself against seasonal flu.

Travel: American citizens living in or traveling to countries with human or animal cases of H5N1 virus should consider the potential risks. Keep informed of the latest medical guidance and practical information and plan accordingly. Consult www.travel.state.gov for the latest tips on international travel.

On-Line Resources: Detailed information about suggested preparations, as well as planning checklists, are available on the U.S. government’s one-stop web site on pandemic influenza (www.pandemicflu.gov), also the World Health Organization (www.who.int/en/) and the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) websites.

The Embassy encourages Americans in Romania to register with the Embassy in Bucharest. Registration may be done on-line at: https://travelregistration.state.gov. Information on registration procedures, all security-related Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, and recent Embassy warden messages are posted on the Embassy's website at: http://bucharest.usembassy.gov

The Embassy is located at 7-9 Str. Tudor Arghezi, Bucharest, Romania. During regular business hours you may contact the Embassy American Citizens Services office at 021-200-3300, or by email at acsbucharest@state.gov . The emergency after-hours telephone number is 021-200-3433.

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