|
International SOS Monitors Bombings and Protests in Argentina and Avian Flu in China
22 November 2005
Philadelphia
International SOS, the world's leading provider of medical assistance, international healthcare, security services and outsourced customer care, offers travel alerts to members traveling overseas to warn them of security risks or medical problems they may encounter at their destinations or en route. The following is a sample of locations that may represent current security and medical risks for global travelers. Argentina - 22 November, 2005 - US-Owned Bank Bombed in Buenos Aires; Protest Tomorrow
On 22 November a pamphlet bomb exploded outside a branch office of the US-owned BankBoston, located on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. The incident occurred at approximately 0400 local time in the business district of Adrogue. No injuries were reported, only minor damage. A previously unknown group, the Santuchista Liberation Army, claimed credit in pamphlets found at the scene.
Several US-owned banks and business interests have been targeted in low-powered bombings over the past few months. Most of the incidents have been restricted to the greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area and removed from the downtown business district. All of the attacks have been conducted more as symbolic acts to protest US presence in the
country, as opposed to violent acts with the intention to cause harm. US nationals have not been specifically targeted or attacked.
In an unrelated event, the militant picketing group, Quebracho, will demonstrate tomorrow in Buenos Aires. The group will protest US President, George W. Bush, as well as the recent prosecution of several members blamed for acts of vandalism during the Summit of the Americas earlier this month.
Quebracho has a history of violent protest behavior that extends beyond the Summit of the Americas to include acts of vandalism aimed at US-owned businesses. The group also has a tendency to provoke violent clashes with security forces in order to draw media attention. US nationals in Buenos Aires are urged to maintain a low profile. International SOS advises its members that travel to Argentina may proceed. However, individuals should avoid all protests and demonstrations, even if they appear peaceful.
Azerbaijan - 19 November, 2005 - Opposition Supporters Rally in Baku
Approximately 30,000 opposition supporters took to the streets of Baku on Saturday, 19 November, to protest the results of the recent parliamentary elections, which they claim were rigged. There have been several rallies recently, all of which have passed relatively peacefully. This latest rally saw the largest turnout of supporters so far; another rally is due to be held on 27 November.
Preliminary results from the 6 November elections show the ruling party of President Ilham Aliyev winning most of the 125 seats in parliament. Monitors from the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said the elections did not meet international standards. The EU and the US backed these findings. Official results are due at the end of this week.
International SOS advises its members that travel to Azerbaijan may proceed. However, members are encouraged to avoid the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the surrounding areas. In addition, International SOS advises its members to avoid any public protests or demonstrations, even if they appear to be peaceful in nature.
China – 18 November, 2005 - Government Seals off Village with Human Bird Flu Fatality
The Chinese government has reportedly sealed off a village in eastern China where a woman recently died of the avian flu virus. Reports state that several local officials in red armbands were posted as sentries at the entrance of Lingtan village in Zhoutan township, Anhui village. China confirmed this week that a 24-year-old woman in Lingtan village was the first human fatality of the bird flu virus in China. The woman died in the village on 10 November.
This measure is intended to contain the spread of the virus, however, it may also trap visitors and result in travel disruptions. Foreigners who challenge security measures face the risk of arrest and detention. Avian influenza A/H5N1 has caused outbreaks in poultry in an increasing number of countries. Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, Romania, Indonesia and China all reported outbreaks in November 2005. The information available to date indicates that the avian influenza virus has not yet acquired the ability to pass easily from person to person. For further information, see the International SOS Pandemic Preparedness Website. There, you can access the latest news, detailed information on flu-affected countries and pandemic preparedness planning information.
International SOS advises its members that travel to China may proceed. Travelers to rural areas should be alert to security measures to contain the spread of the avian flu virus. Members should contact International SOS for information on special considerations in travel to China.
Medical and Security Alerts
International SOS alerts are compiled through numerous resources including physicians and security experts on the ground in 48 countries, and individuals coordinating information from a broad range of resources, including the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and the US State Department.
Members
All International SOS Security Members are able to access specific travel-related advice related to this news feature. Please log onto the members' website.
Non-members
If you are not an International SOS member but would like to know more about the medical and security help and advice we provide to international travelers and expatriates, click here.
Journalists
If you are a journalist and would like to speak to one of our Medical or Security experts, please contact one of our regional press contacts.
|
[back to list] |
|
