WARDEN MESSAGE FOR AMERICANS

Armed conflict with Iraq began this morning, March 20.

The Department of State advises American citizens in Romania to take prudent steps to ensure their personal safety in the coming days. Remain vigilantly aware of surroundings, avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, vary times and routes for all travel, and ensure travel documents are current. Listen to news reports and maintain contact with your assigned warden or the Embassy at 210-4042 for an update on developments. The Embassy will also post updated information on our web site at www.usembassy.ro.

U.S. citizens and interests worldwide are at risk of terrorist attacks, including by groups with links to Al-Qaida. U.S. Government facilities are on a heightened state of alert. The Embassy in Bucharest may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time for security reasons. In that event, we will continue to provide emergency services to American citizens and will provide contact information by a warden message and on our web site. Monitor the local news as well as the Department of State web site, http://travel.state.gov, for information concerning the safety and security of American citizens overseas. The Department of Homeland Security web sites, www.dhs.gov http://www.ready.gov, may also provide useful information.

American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at 210-4042. In case of an emergency outside business hours or during the suspension of public services, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer by calling 210-4042 or 210-0149. American citizens may also contact the Department of State, if calling from Romania at 00-1-317-472-2328, or, if from within the U.S., toll-free at 1-888-407-4747.

American citizens in Romania who have not registered with the Embassy are urged to do so as soon as possible. You may register in person by coming to the American Citizens Unit in the Consular section of the Embassy, or make a provisional registration through the Embassy web site at www.usembassy.ro. American citizens already registered are urged to update their registration information, if applicable,

U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's consular information documents, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement located on the Department's internet web site at travel.state.gov.