Warden Message 2009-01
January 15, 2009
Dear Warden and Registrant:
Please share the following information with all American citizens as soon as possible. Please contact the American Citizen Services section via e-mail (ConsularQuito@state.gov) or telephone 398-5000 ext. 3800, if you have any questions.
The U.S. Embassy Ecuador wishes to inform American citizens visiting or resident in Ecuador that on Thursday, January 15, 2009, protests, marches, demonstrations, and gatherings are anticipated in Quito during the day. The following events reportedly will occur on January 15:
At 1000 hours, President Correa will give his State of the Union address at the National Congress building located on Avenida 6 de Diciembre and Calle Piedrahita. Streets near this area will likely be closed for security reasons.
At 1000 hours, the Federacion de Estudiantes Universitarios de Ecuador (FEUE) is anticipated to march from the Central University to the Ministry of Economy located on Avenida 10 de Agosto y Calle Bolivia. The FEUE is protesting the amount of resources allocated to the universities for this year.
At 1630 hours, the Federacion Unitaria de Trabajadores (FUT) and other worker unions are anticipated to gather in front of the Social Security building at the El Ejido Park and march to the Presidential palace. These groups are protesting the amount of the last salary increase and other employment issues.
At 1630 hours, protesters are expected to gather at El Arbolito Park and march to the Embassy of Israel to protest Israeli military activity in Gaza. Please keep in mind that prior protests have included anti-US Government messages.
Security Tips Regarding Large Gatherings and Demonstrations in Ecuador
American citizens are strongly urged to avoid large gatherings or any other event where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest. While protests/demonstrations in Ecuador are generally peaceful, they can easily turn violent.
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Americans living or traveling in Ecuador are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ecuador. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. Please see the following links for local warden message information in Quito and Guayaquil, respectively, http://ecuador.usembassy.gov and http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov.
U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information for Ecuador and the latest Travel Alerts and Warnings and Worldwide Caution at the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov. Updated information on travel and security in Ecuador may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or by calling 1-202-501-4444 outside the United States.
The U.S. Embassy in Quito is located at Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro. The telephone during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is (011) 593 2 398 5000 X3800. Within the same city use the last seven digits. Add the city code for intercity telephone calls. See also the Embassy web site at http://ecuador.usembassy.gov. American Citizen walk-in hours are between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Thursday, excluding U.S. and Ecuadorian holidays.
The U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil is located at the corner of Avenida 9 de Octubre and Garcia Moreno (near the Hotel Oro Verde); telephone (011-593-4) 232-3570 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or 232-1152 for after-hours emergencies; fax (011-593-4) 232-0904. See the Consulate General web site at http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov.