WASHINGTON -- The
State Dept. updated separate existing travel warnings for Israel
and Iran as security concerns in both countries increased.
For Israel, the
State Dept. reiterated its previous advice that U.S. citizens
depart Gaza immediately and defer travel to Israel, the West Bank
and Gaza.
The department said
that in the wake of the recent death of Palestinian leader Yasser
Arafat, the Palestinian Authority is expected to hold elections to
select a new leader.
Events leading up to
and the elections themselves may create unstable conditions that
would affect the security of American citizens, the department
said. During the 40-day traditional period of mourning, large
unpredictable crowds may gather for prayers in the Old City of
Jerusalem, as well as at local mosques throughout Israel, the West
Bank and Gaza. Both before and after Palestinian Authority
elections, the possibility of mass demonstrations and unrest will
continue to exist.
Meanwhile, the State
Dept. warned against travel to Iran where tensions generated by the
current situation in Iraq have increased the potential threat to
U.S. citizens and interests abroad posed by those who oppose U.S.
policy.
In particular, the
department noted that some areas of the country, including the
Baluchistan border area near Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Kurdish
northwest of the country and areas near the Iraqi border are not
considered safe.
The U.S. does not
have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of
Iran, although the Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in
Tehran, serves as protecting power for U.S. interests in
Iran.
To contact
the reporter who wrote this article, send e-mail to Michael
Milligan at [email protected].