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Demonstration to take place on the Plein in The Hague December 31, 2008

This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in The Netherlands that a demonstration will reportedly form Wednesday, December 31 at 2:00 pm, on the Plein in The Hague.  According to local police, the demonstrators are expected to proceed to the Lange Voorhout in front of the U.S. Embassy and the Israeli Embassy at Buitenhof 47 (at the end of Lange Vijverberg/Buitenhof).  Police expect up to 500 demonstrators and the event may last until 3:30 pm.  The demonstrators are believed to be protesting against the present events in Israel and Gaza.  The U.S. Mission has no additional information at this time.  American citizens are advised to avoid the areas in the city center, and to exercise caution, avoiding large groups of people.

As noted in the Country Specific Information for The Netherlands, demonstrations are commonplace in The Netherlands and may range in number from a few people to several thousand. Prior police approval is required for public demonstrations, and police oversight is routinely provided. Nonetheless, situations may develop which could pose a threat to public safety. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas in which public demonstrations are taking place.

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments.  U.S. Citizens are urged to avoid large crowds, maintain a low profile and review their personal protective measures.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. 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.

The U.S. Consulate General in The Netherlands is located at Museumplein 19, Amsterdam, tel. (31)(20) 575-5309.  The after-hours emergency telephone number is (31)(70) 310-2209.