U.S. Embassy Post-Election Warning

The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan has issued another warning to its citizens resident in the city following yesterday’s disputed presidential election. Once again, the British Embassy has sent nothing out.

Warden Message
U.S. Embassy Yerevan
February 19, 2008
Political Demonstrations related to Presidential Elections in Armenia

The U.S. Embassy Yerevan has learned that there will be two competing political demonstrations in Yerevan on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. Both rallies are scheduled to take place at 3:00 pm. One rally will be at the Matenadaran, and the other at Freedom Square. The two locations are in central Yerevan, approximately four blocks from each other. Both events have the potential to attract large crowds.

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 these known locations or any other areas of demonstrations, 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.

Information on upcoming demonstrations can be found at the following website: http://yerevan.usembassy.gov/consular/acs_warden.php.