[Noticias] Foreigners ordered out of Comarca

Date:          February 24, 2011
 
 To:             U.S. Embassy Warden System
 
 Subject:    Foreigners Promoting Mining Ordered Out of Comarca Ngabe
 Bugle
 
 Dear Wardens:  Please disseminate this message to U.S. citizens in your
 area.  Thank you.
 
 The U.S. Embassy in Panama City alerts U.S. citizens that the Panamanian
 government has ordered all foreigners promoting mining activities to leave
 the Comarca Ngabe Bugle no later than March 9, 2011.  The government
 indicated in a statement
 (http://www.mingob.gob.pa/mingob/inside.php?artID=1009)
  that the measure was designed to prevent non-members of the indigenous
 groups residing in the region from causing confusion or provoking disorder.
 
 The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that there are ongoing protests in Panama
 against the recent adoption of legislation governing mining.  These protests
 have the potential to severely restrict traffic and emergency services.
 Other protests on this or other issues may occur at any time and be repeated
 with little or no warning.  The Embassy continues to caution its employees
 and all U.S. citizens to exercise heightened security awareness and avoid
 crowds and any areas where there are demonstrations or where confrontations
 could occur.  During previous periods of unrest, there were isolated
 incidents where disgruntled construction workers threw bricks and other
 objects from structures under construction.  Special caution is urged when
 transiting through urban areas or when driving near any tall buildings.
 
 For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
 regularly monitor the Department?s Internet web site at
 http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Public
 Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, 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., 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).
 
 For updated information on the security situation in Panama, please contact
 the American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy at 207-7030. The
 Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in Clayton, Building 783, in
 the Clayton section of Panama. The Consular Section fax is 207-7303.   The
 Embassy web site is http://panama.usembassy.gov/ and e-mails should be
 addressed to Panama-ACS@state.gov.  After hours and emergency phone number:
 207-7000 or 207-7200.