WARDEN MESSAGE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

United States Embassy, Athens, Greece

5 November 2004

The U.S. Embassy wishes to inform American citizens in Greece of the United States Government's decision to refer officially to Macedonia as the Republic of Macedonia.  This decision may create heightened tensions in Greece and stimulate reactions against American interests in Greece, especially in Northern Greece.

While we have no specific information at this writing of plans for large-scale demonstrations, given the importance of this issue to many in Greece, we cannot dismiss the possibility of public demonstrations against this decision, both at the United States Embassy in Athens, and at the United States Consulate General in Thessaloniki, as well as other places.  American citizens in Greece should take care to avoid all such demonstrations, or places where such demonstrations, or even spontaneous public outbursts of anti-American emotion, might occur.  For the time being, all Americans in Greece should also heighten their individual and family sense of and attention to personal security.

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 again urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

            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 Cautions, 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 1-317-472-2328.  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 up-to-date information on current security conditions, Americans may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Athens or Consulate General in Thessaloniki at the numbers below.  Please pass this information to other Americans.

U.S. Embassy                                                 American Consulate General Thessaloniki

American Citizens Services Section                Tel: 2310-242-905/6/7, ext. 104 or 0

Tel:  (210) 720-2418, 720-2419, 720-2420                

Fax: (210) 725-3025

Finally, in the case of an emergency when the Embassy or Consulate General is closed, an American in Greece can call 210-729-4444, and ask to speak to a consular officer concerning that emergency.

American Embassy
Consular Section
Athens Greece