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16 December 1998

TEXT: STATE DEPT. ISSUES TRAVEL WARNING ON KUWAIT DECEMBER 16

(In light of the possibility for retaliatory action)  (370)
Washington -- The Department of State late December 16 warned US
citizens to consider whether they should travel to Kuwait in light of
U.S. military action undertaken against Iraq and the potential for
retaliatory action.
Following is the State Department text:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Kuwait - Travel Warning
December 16, 1998
The Department of State warns United States citizens to consider
whether they should travel to Kuwait in light of U.S. military action
undertaken against Iraq and the potential for retaliatory action.
During previous times of tension with Iraq, there has been concern
about chemical and biological warfare (CBW) against states in the
region, including Kuwait. Based on best available information, the
Department of State believes the risk of the use of
chemical/biological weapons by Iraq is remote, that delivery would be
difficult, and that Saddam Hussein's capabilities are limited.
However, we are concerned that some members of our community in Kuwait
cannot be fully protected against the potential use of such weapons.
Therefore, the Department of State has ordered the departure of
certain official personnel and family members (under the age of 18,
pregnant women and adults over the age of 65) at Embassy Kuwait.
American citizens currently in Kuwait should take this information
into account in considering whether they should also depart the
country. The airports are open and commercial flights are available at
this time.
American citizens who wish further information on CBW and its effects
should contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This information is available on the CDC Internet web site at
http://www.cdc.gov. The CDC travelers hotline telephone number is
1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747), fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299).
For further information on travel to Kuwait, please consult the
Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Kuwait.
This replaces the Travel Warning dated November 11, 1998 to include
information on the ordered departure of Embassy personnel and to
advise U.S. citizens in Kuwait to consider whether they should depart
the country.
(end text)