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This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in The Netherlands that the Democratic Foundation of Cameria, a group that states that they represent the Albanian people from the North of Greece, has reportedly planned a demonstration to take place in The Hague, on Wednesday, May 14, beginning at approximately 1:00 pm.  According to the organizers, approximately 1,500 demonstrators will meet at the Malieveld in The Hague and march past several government buildings and diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Embassy, before ending the demonstration back at the Malieveld.  The demonstration is expected to last several hours.  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 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. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Information regarding demonstrations in The Netherlands can be found on the U.S. Embassy The Hague’s website at:

http://netherlands.usembassy.gov/demonstrations.html

Americans living or traveling in The Netherlands are encouraged to register with the U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within The Netherlands. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current worldwide Caution, Netherlands-specific information, travel warnings, and other travel alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the united States and Canada or for callers outside the united States 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).

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.