Warden Message: Greece November 17 Demonstrations

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

U.S. Embassy Athens issued the following Warden Message on November 16:

U.S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki wish to alert American citizens in Greece of the potential for large demonstrations throughout Greece on Tuesday, November 17.  Demonstrations are expected to take place in Athens in the afternoon and evening in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy, and in Thessaloniki in the area of the U.S. Consulate General, as well as in and near university campuses. 

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  November 17 is the anniversary date of 1973 protests against the then-ruling junta, and is often marked by demonstration activity.  In the past, some demonstrations on November 17 have included violence and destruction of property.  Americans are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  The Embassy recommends that Americans in the Athens neighborhoods of Kolonaki and Ampelokipi avoid leaving their residences between 4 pm November 17, 2009 and 6 am November 18, 2009. 

Traffic and public transportation in the vicinity of demonstrations are likely to be adversely affected.  American citizens seeking Embassy or Consulate General services on November 17 should be aware that the Consulate General in Thessaloniki is planning to close at 2 pm and the Embassy in Athens may do so as well.  Many offices may close earlier should circumstances warrant. 

For up-to-date information regarding Embassy or Consulate General closures, please visit http://athens.usembassy.gov/ or http://thessaloniki.usconsulate.gov/.  In case of an emergency when the Embassy or Consulate General is closed, an American in Greece can call (210) 729-4444 or (210) 729-4301, and ask to speak to a consular officer.

American citizens in Greece should also monitor the local news, and for the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.  American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions overseas by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or Canada, and 1-202-501-4444 from overseas.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).   American citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.

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 on to other Americans.

U.S. Embassy in Athens                       U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki

91 Queen Sophias Avenue                     43 Tsimiski Street      

Tel. 210-721-2951                                  Tel. 2310-242905