Friday, July 17, 2009

USA: OFFICIAL POSITION

On the one hand the USA pays 25 cents of every dollar of UNMIT's $200 million/year budget - much of which is spent on PNTL assistance through UNPOL, and GNR rations etc.... on the other hand it tells its citizens to be careful, as PNTL, UNPOL/GNR, or maybe F-FDTL migth shoot them by accident.

The U.S. Embassy in Dili would like to inform U.S. citizens that a number of security-related incidents have occurred in recent weeks at popular dining and entertainment establishments in Dili. These incidents, which typically have taken place during late night/early morning hours, have involved the use of weapons, including the discharge of firearms. The Embassy urges Americans to maintain constant vigilance and security self-awareness when visiting dining and entertainment establishments that are frequented by personnel from the various law enforcement and military entities present in Timor-Leste, particularly those establishments that serve alcohol.

Americans living and traveling in Timor-Leste are urged to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Dili. Registration facilitates the U.S. Mission's contact with Americans in emergency situations, and may be done on line and in advance of travel. Information on registering can be found at the U.S. Department of State's Consular Affairs website at http://travelregistration.state.gov, at the Embassy's website at http://timor-leste.usembassy.gov. Travel Alerts, Worldwide Cautions, and recent warden messages are posted on the Embassy website.


The Embassy is located on Avenida de Portugal, Praia dos Coqueiros, Dili. The 24-hour emergency telephone number is (670) 723-1328. During regular business hours the Embassy can be reached at (670) 332-4684 or ConsDili@state.gov.


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