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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
September 10, 2004

Worldwide Caution

This Public Announcement is being updated to remind U.S. citizens of the
continuing threat of terrorist actions and anti-American violence against
U.S. citizens and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution
dated April 29, 2004 and expires on March 10, 2005.

The Department of State is deeply concerned about the continued threat of
terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, as well as the
potential for demonstrations and violent actions against U.S. citizens and
interests overseas. U.S. citizens are reminded that demonstrations and
rioting can occur at any time. In reaction to the execution of hostages in
Iraq, there have been demonstrations and associated violence in the
hostages' country of origin. While Americans are generally not the targets
in such incidents, U.S. citizens could be caught up in the violence. U.S.
citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take
appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

The Department of State remains concerned by indications that al-Qaida and
affiliated groups continue to prepare to strike U.S. interests abroad.
Al-Qaida and its associated organizations have struck in Europe, Asia and
the Middle East. Future al-Qaida attacks could possibly involve
non-conventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents as well as
conventional weapons of terror, to include explosive devices.

Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations,
assassinations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may involve
aviation and other transportation and maritime interests. Terrorists do not
distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include
facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit,
including residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of
worship, schools, hotels and public areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase
their security awareness.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert.
These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time
to time to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S.
embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency
services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local
news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security
threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information
through its consular information program documents, available on the
Internet at http://travel.state.gov. 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. or outside the U.S. and
Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.