Important Security Information for American Citizens in Nepal

November 7, 2006

                                                                 
The Embassy was informed on November 7, 2006 of a number of cases of Maoists approaching American residents and businesspeople in Kathmandu demanding housing for Maoist cadre.  The Embassy is extremely concerned about this matter, and has already lodged a complaint with the Government of Nepal.

The Embassy urges American citizens to inform us immediately if you are approached by Maoists demanding housing for their cadre, or for any other assistance.  (Please contact the Consular Section at 444-5577 ext. 4414 during working hours or the Embassy at 441-1179 ext. 0 during non-working hours -- ask for the Duty Officer.  Americans can also send an email to wardenktm@state.gov.)  The Embassy will keep this information confidential, but, with your permission, will raise specific cases with the Government of Nepal in hopes of stopping this behavior.  (It is our experience that raising specific cases of human rights and other abuses with the authorities and with the human rights community has had an ameliorating affect on the abusive behavior.)

For further information about security conditions in Nepal, American citizens are encouraged to refer to the Consular Information Sheet for Nepal and the current Travel Warning for Nepal issued on May 31, 2006 (http://travel.state.gov).  American citizens are also encouraged to refer to the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement for additional travel safety and security information.  These documents are available on the homepage of the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs at http://travel.state.gov and the American Embassy in Nepal's home page at http://nepal.usembassy.gov.  The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs maintains an information line at 1-888-407-4747 toll free or (202) 501-4444 Monday through Friday (excluding U.S. Government holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.   Specific information may also be obtained by calling the Embassy at 977-1-444-5577 during working hours and at 977-1-441-1179 during evenings and weekends and asking for the Embassy Duty Officer.