EAST AFRICA
The U.S. State Department has reissued its public announcement warning of terrorist threats in East Africa, especially along the coast, and in the seas near the Horn of Africa, including the Red Sea near Yemen. Several incidents of maritime piracy have occurred here in the last year, and vessels are urged to travel in convoys and maintain close radio contact at all times.
SCOTLAND
Bus drivers in eastern and central Scotland have staged three strikes so far this month–two 24-hour walkouts and one 48-hour stoppage–and with a breakdown in talks have now planned week-on, week-off strikes indefinitely. The first week-long walkout will start Oct. 3 and will affect Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian.
FRANCE
A one-day strike against government economic policies will occur Oct. 4 and will disrupt transportation in many French cities. Paris Metro and bus workers intend to strike for the day, and Air France workers will also strike, causing disruption of flights on Oct. 4 and 5.
SENEGAL
The U.S. Embassy in Dakar reported that Ramadan and the back-to-school season see increased crime in Dakar because of the expenses associated with these events. This year Ramadan begins Oct. 4 and ends Nov. 2. Muggings, burglaries and pickpocketing are the main crimes, and apart from common-sense precautions, to minimize your potential losses from such incidents the embassy recommends carrying credit cards only if you plan to use them that day, separating your cash in several places on your person and carrying photocopies of identification documents rather then originals.
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For the latest on world conditions, check the State Department’s automated service at 888-407-4747; fax 202-647-3000; travel.state.gov.
