Warden Messages

January 25, 2006

Upcoming Demonstrations in Baku

The opposition Azadliq bloc has announced it will hold protest rallies at any of the following locations in and around central Baku on Friday, January 26 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm:  Fizuli Square, Narimanov Metro Station, Ganjlik Metro Station, Huseyn Javid Park (located next to the Science Academy), Jafar Jabbarly Square and Samad Vurgun Park (both near 28th of May/Jafar Jabbarli Metro Station and the Central Railway Station), Sahil Park (downtown, on the boulevard), the Ministry of Economic Development (Government House Building area, Azadlig Square) and the State Property Committee (near the Khatai Monument).  These rallies are not authorized by the government, and it is possible that detentions or scuffles with police could occur in these areas.
 
Separately, the opposition Musavat party will hold a protest rally authorized by the government on Sunday, January 28 from 4 pm until 6 pm.  The rally will begin at Azi Aslanov Metro Station and proceed down Mohammed Hadi Street to Ukraine Circle. This area is located several kilometers east of central Baku.
 
American citizens are reminded 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 potential demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any planned or unplanned demonstrations. U. S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. 
 
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on 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).
 
The U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan is located at 83 Azadlig Prospect in Baku.  The Consular Section can be reached by phone at 498-0335/6/7 or by e-mail at consularbaku@state.gov.  In the event of an emergency please call the above number and ask for the Duty Officer.

Consular Section
US Embassy, Baku
Azerbaijan