Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Demonstration February 23, 2016

The U.S. Embassy Pristina informs U.S. citizens that protests are expected to take place in downtown Pristina starting on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, in front of the Assembly of Kosovo along Mother Teresa Square.  Opposition political parties in Kosovo will be demonstrating against the Government of Kosovo.  The anticipated size of the protest is unknown.  Similar demonstrations in October, November, and January along Mother Teresa Square became violent.  The events may block key road intersections and/or disrupt public transportation.

U.S. citizens should be aware of the potential for continued demonstrations organized by political groups in Kosovo.  The groups have stated that they plan to organize 24/7 protests in front of the Assembly of Kosovo.

U.S. citizens should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests.  Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

Demonstrations in one city have the potential to lead to additional public rallies or demonstrations in other locations around the city and country.  U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.

  • See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Kosovo Country Specific Information.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo located at 30 Nazim Hikmet St. Arberia/Dragodan, 10000 Pristina, at +(381) 38-5959-3119 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal or Kosovo holidays). After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(381) 38-5959-3000.
  • Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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Note:  The timestamp on this e-mail message may reflect Washington, D.C., time, which may differ from local time.