Important Security Announcement for American Citizens in Nepal
April 28, 2009
The Young Communist League (YCL), a splinter group of the Maoist Party, has called for another rally in Ratna Park this afternoon at 4pm. The heated exchange in the press recently about the future of the current Chief of Army Staff is expected to reach a decision this afternoon as well. In anticipation of this rally potentially turning violent, the Embassy has authorized an early closure of the Embassy at 3pm today and is sending all personnel home. The Lincoln School is also being advised to close early and to send students home. Private American citizens in Nepal are also advised to exercise extreme caution this afternoon and to avoid demonstrations if they come upon them.
For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov. Americans living or traveling in Nepal are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is located at Maharajgunj. The telephone number is 977-1-4007200, 4007201. The number for after-hours emergencies is 977-1-4007266,4007269. The fax number is 977-1-4007281. The Consulate’s e-mail address is consktm@state.gov and its Internet web page is http://nepal.usembassy.gov U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s latest Country Specific Information for Nepal and the Worldwide Caution, both available at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).