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June 16 Protests in Downtown Sofia
The U.S. Embassy would like inform Americans in Bulgaria of protests which will take place in downtown Sofia, on Tuesday, June 16, 2009.
The Confederation of the Independent Trade Unions (KNSB) has announced its intention to hold a protest to defend the jobs and the incomes of Bulgarian workers. The protest will take place in downtown Sofia today, June 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. starting in Macedonia Square near the KNSB building. From there the participants will march to the Council of Ministers building. Organizers expect up to 10,000 protesters will participate. A portion of the protestors are expected to drive trucks and buses in front of the Council of Ministers building. The vehicle route follows Tsarigradsko Shose Boulevard to Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard The police will provide 1,000-1,500 police officers to cover the protest.
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/.