Embassy of the United States of America
Yerevan, Armenia

Embassy Yerevan Warden Message N 8

Demonstrations in Downtown Yerevan and Yerevan City Council Elections.

May 29 and May 31, 2009

This Warden Message alerts American citizens that political opposition supporters intend to stage a protest rally at the Matenadaran manuscript museum followed by an unauthorized march in Yerevan on Friday, May 29 starting around 6:30 pm. The march is expected to start near the Matenadaran, proceeding through Republic Square and ending on Northern Avenue, but could spread to other areas downtown. This rally is associated with the Yerevan City Council elections on Sunday, May 31, which will be the first time that voters elect the Mayor of Yerevan.

While the U.S. Embassy does not have specific information about any planned political rallies and demonstrations on or after Election Day, past experience has shown that disorder or violence related to elections can take place before, during or after the holding of elections. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid polling stations on Election Day, and any political demonstrations or marches that may take place in the days leading up to or following the election.

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 possibly 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