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O 171401Z MAR 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
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INFO RUESBKC/ATO ASIA IMMEDIATE 1839

UNCLAS STATE 025125 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC ASEC KPAO PREL CN
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - COMOROS 
 
¶1.  This Travel Alert is being issued to alert U.S. 
citizens of safety and security concerns in The Union of 
the Comoros because of the possibility of demonstrations 
in conjunction with a referendum in Mayotte from March 
27 - 31, 2009.  American citizens should consider 
carefully the risks of travel to Comoros during that 
time.  This Travel Alert expires June 30, 2009. 
 
¶2.  On March 29, 2009, voters in Mayotte, a "Collective" 
in the Indian Ocean governed by France, will go to the 
polls to decide whether or not to become a "Department" 
of the Republic of France.  French Departments are more 
integrated into French legal, institutional, and social 
structures than Collectives.  Although Mayotte is 
currently administered by France, the Union of the 
Comoros also claims Mayotte.  Comoran public opinion 
strongly favors the return of Mayotte to Comoros. 
 
¶3.  The potential reaction of Comorans is uncertain, but 
demonstrations are likely.  Demonstrations on 
emotionally-charged issues have turned violent in the 
past.  American visitors in the Comoros should exercise 
caution and vigilance, and avoid all large public 
gatherings before, during, and after the March 29 vote 
in Mayotte. 
 
¶4.  The Department of State urges American citizens to 
take responsibility for their own personal security 
while traveling overseas, to review emergency procedures 
and contingency plans, and to remain aware of their 
surroundings at all times. 
 
¶5.  American citizens considering travel to Comoros 
despite this Travel Alert are urged to register with the 
Department of State or the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo, 
Madagascar, through the State Department's travel 
registration website, 
https://travelregistration.state.gov.  By registering, 
American citizens make it easier for the Embassy in 
Antananarivo to contact them in case of emergency. 
Please be sure to include your e-mail address and 
cellular phone number. 
 
¶6.  There is no American Embassy in the Union of the 
Comoros.  The U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo has 
jurisdiction over the Union of the Comoros.  The Embassy 
is located at 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, 
Antananarivo.  The mailing address is B.P. 620, 
Antsahavola, Antananarivo, Madagascar; telephone [261] 
(20) 22-212-57 during regular business hours and for 
after hours emergencies; fax [261] (20) 22-345-39.  The 
Consular Section e-mail address is 
antanwarden@state.gov.  The Embassy's web site is 
located at http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov. 
 
¶7.  Updated information on travel and security in 
Comoros may be obtained from the Department of State 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.  For 
further information, please consult the Country Specific 
Information for the Comoros and the Worldwide Caution 
available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet 
website at http://travel.state.gov. 
 
¶8.  Minimize considered. 
CLINTON