PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman Bolivia April 8, 2000 A state of emergency was formally declared by the Government of Bolivia on April 8 in an effort to quell a wave of protests by peasants and laborers over economic issues. Beginning on April 4, roadblocks were set up in and around the central city of Cochabamba, to protest proposed price hikes by the Cochabamba water utility. This action spread to other areas of Bolivia, including the cities of Sucre, Oruro and Trinidad, as well as the highways between La Paz and Chile. While the Bolivian Government is working to deal with the situation, it is recommended that U.S. citizens not attempt to pass through or circumvent these roadblocks. Although U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted, travelers should be aware that road and airport closures outside of La Paz inhibit travel within the country at this time. The U.S. Embassy in La Paz recommends that all U.S. citizens in Bolivia avoid roadblocks or demonstrations. Although the international airport in La Paz remains open, U.S. visitors should closely consider the current situation before deciding to travel to Bolivia. Updated information on travel and security in Bolivia may be obtained from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz. The U.S. Embassy is located at 2780 Avenida Arce in La Paz; telephone (591) 2-433-812 during business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mon. through Fri.), or (591) 2-430-251 for after-hours emergencies; fax (591) 2-433-854. The Consular Agency in Santa Cruz is located at Calle Guemes 6, Barrio Equipetrol; telephone (591) 3-363-842 or 3-330-725; fax (591) 3-325-544. The Consular Agency in Cochabamba is located at Avenida Oquendo 654, Torres Sofer, Room 601; telephone (591) 4-256-714; fax (591) 4-257-714. This public announcement expires April 30, 2000. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings