[CVRC] State Dept Alert

[Paul Cavnar]

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

Worldwide Caution
October 10, 2002

This Worldwide Caution Public Announcement supersedes the Worldwide
Caution Public Announcement dated September 9, 2002. In light of the
recent audio tape attributed to Usama bin Laden and other reports of
threats to American interests, this Worldwide Caution is being issued to
alert Americans to the need to remain vigilant and to remind them of the
continuing threat of terrorist actions that may target civilians. This
Worldwide Caution expires on April 8, 2003.

The U.S. Government continues to receive credible indications that
extremist groups and individuals are planning additional terrorist actions
against U.S. interests. Such actions may include, but are not limited to,
suicide operations. Because security and security awareness have been
elevated within the U.S, the terrorists may target U.S. interests overseas.
We remind American citizens to remain vigilant with regard to their
personal security and to exercise caution.

Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.
Attacks on places of worship and schools, and the murders of private
American citizens, demonstrate that as security is increased at official
U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers will seek softer targets.
These may include facilities where Americans are generally known
to congregate or visit, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship,
schools or outdoor recreation events. Americans should increase their
security awareness when they are at such locations, avoid them, or
switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally
do not congregate. American citizens may be targeted for kidnapping
or assassination.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of
alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services
from time to time to review their security posture and ensure its
adequacy. In those instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will
make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens.
Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact
with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential
security threats to Americans overseas, it shares credible threat
information through its Consular Information Program documents,
available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to
information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can hear recorded information
by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225
from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated
telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.

Department of State travel information and publications are available at
Internet address: http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded
information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at
202-647-5225 from their touchtone telephone, or receive information by
automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.