Ostrzeżenie z ambasady USA dla obywateli amerykańskich przebywających w Warszawie 11 listopada 2012.

 

 

 

American Embassy, Warsaw, Poland
9 November 2012

 

 
Polish Independence Day Demonstrations in Warsaw, Sunday, November 11, 2012
 
This message updates the Embassy’s security message of October 22, 2012.
 
U.S. citizens in Poland should be aware that on Sunday, November 11 (Polish Independence Day), multiple demonstrations are planned for locations in downtown Warsaw. 
 
According to local authorities, at least three separate marches have been announced:
1.      “Razem Dla Niepodleglej” organized by veterans groups, with participation of Polish President Komorowski;
2.      “Marsz Niepodleglosci” organized by the All-Polish Youth (Mlodziez Wszechpolska) and the National-Radical Camp (Oboz Narodowo-Radykalny); and
3.      A separate march organized by “Porozumnienie 11 Listopada,” a grouping of left-wing organizations.
 
Each of these marches will take place in the city center.  Some marches are competing in nature and have the potential to lead to protest confrontations. Independence Day marches in 2011 resulted in a number of clashes between opposing groups.  Polish police have expressed confidence, however, that they will be able to ensure peaceful and orderly conduct of these marches.  Nevertheless, heavy traffic congestion will undoubtedly result throughout Warsaw.  
 
The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens in Poland avoid the areas of the demonstrations.  Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.  The published routes for the marches are subject to change and U.S. citizens are encouraged monitor local news stations for updates. 
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Poland enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read the Country Specific Information for Poland.  For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.
 
The U.S Embassy in Warsaw is located at Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 (tel: +48-22-504-2000) and is open to the American public Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., excluding Polish and American holidays and the last working Friday of each month.  Appointments may also be scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  In the event of emergency only, you may contact the Embassy duty officer after hours at tel: +48-22-504-2000.