Warden Messages
Warden Message
Energy Summit Protests
April 24, 2009
The U.S. Embassy would like to make U.S. citizens aware of upcoming planned protests in Sofia. The Association for free speech ‘Anna Politkovskaya’ is planning to protest against Bulgaria’s reliance on Russian fuel and the ecological impact of Bulgaria’s power plants during the Energy Summit on Friday, April 24th, and Saturday, April 25th.
On Friday, April 24th the Association will protest from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Orlov (Eagle) Bridge. Organizers expect up to 1,000 protestors; there will be significant police presence to cover the protest. On Saturday, April 25, a memorial service for the martyrs of Bulgarian democracy, organized by the Association, will begin their protest at 11:30 a.m. at the Pantheon Memorial located in the Garden of the National Palace of Culture.
As with any large gatherings, there is always a potential for violence. The Embassy advises American citizens to avoid these areas. If you have planned activities in these areas, please make arrangements to reschedule your event or attendance.
The U.S. Embassy urges American citizens to take steps to ensure their personal security while traveling overseas. Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. Americans living or traveling in Bulgaria are also encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, to obtain updated information on travel and security within Bulgaria.
The U.S. Embassy is located at 16, Kozyak St., Sofia 1407; tel.: (+359 2) 937-5100; fax (+359 2) 937-5209; website: http://bulgaria.usembassy.gov/.