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16 December 1998

TEXT: STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUES WORLDWIDE CAUTION ON IRAQ DEC. 16

(Issued in light of the military operations against Iraq) (360)
Washington -- The State Department late December 16 issued a worldwide
caution on Iraq, saying that "In light of the military operations
against Iraq and the potential for retaliatory action, the Department
of State urges U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad to review
their security practices, to remain alert to the changing situation,
and to exercise much greater caution than usual.
"While the U.S. government has no specific information about threats
to American citizens at this time," the caution said, "the potential
for retaliatory acts against U.S. citizens exists."
Following is the State Department text:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Worldwide Caution - Iraq
December 16, 1998
In light of the military operations against Iraq and the potential for
retaliatory action, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens
traveling or residing abroad to review their security practices, to
remain alert to the changing situation, and to exercise much greater
caution than usual. While the U.S. government has no specific
information about threats to American citizens at this time, the
potential for retaliatory acts against U.S. citizens exists.
American citizens traveling or residing abroad are reminded to
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate measures to
protect their personal security. In addition, American citizens should
maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all travel, and
treat mail from unfamiliar sources with suspicion.
American citizens traveling or residing abroad should contact the
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate by telephone or fax for up-to-date
information on security conditions. Current information on operations
of U.S. embassies and consulates is also available on the Internet at
http://travel.state.gov. In addition, U.S. citizens planning to travel
abroad should consult the Department of State Public Announcements,
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, and regional brochures.
This Public Announcement supplements the November 12, 1998 Worldwide
Caution Public Announcement and the November 3 Public Announcement on
Iraq and expires on March 15, 1999.
(end text)