Embassy of the United States of America
Yerevan, Armenia

April 30, 2009

Embassy Yerevan Warden Message 3

Warden Message
May Day Demonstrations in Downtown Yerevan
May 1, 2009

April 30, 2009

Local press is reporting political opposition supporters intend to stage a protest rally followed by an unauthorized march in various areas of central Yerevan on May 1st starting around 3pm. Protesters are expected to march through a number of major downtown streets. The march will likely start near the Matenadaran manuscript museum, but could spread to many other areas in the downtown region.

Demonstrations take place in Armenia from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possible escalate into violence without warning. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution when in 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.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website, and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, http://www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan is located at 1 American Avenue, tel. 10-46-47-00 and fax 10-46-47-42. The Consular Section is open from 9:00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m., with time reserved for American citizen services from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for official U.S. Embassy holidays. For more information, see the Embassy’s website at http://yerevan.usembassy.gov.