NON-EMERGENCY EMBASSY STAFF, FAMILIES ORDERED TO DEPART NEPAL

April 24, 2006

The State Department today (April 24) ordered all non-emergency U.S. mission personnel and dependents to depart Nepal.  This decision, made at the recommendation of the Embassy, was taken out of concern for the safety of U.S. Government employees and their families.

Ambassador James F. Moriarty, who informed the Mission community of the Embassy’s recommendation, also is recommending that all American citizens in Nepal should consider leaving the country at this time because of the uncertain security conditions.

On April 12, the State Department had authorized voluntary departure for non-emergency Mission staff and families.  Non-emergency Mission staff and families must now depart the country as ordered.  

The U.S. Mission includes the Embassy, its Consular Section and American Center in the Yak & Yeti Hotel (both closed until further notice), and USAID. 

The Embassy Travel Warning for Nepal is available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_927.html and/or via the Embassy website at http://nepal.usembassy.gov

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