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Public Affairs Section

Upcoming Demonstrations

The US Mission to the Netherlands would like to advise American Citizens living or traveling in the Netherlands of the upcoming demonstrations:


This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in The Netherlands that the Democratic Foundation of Cameria, a group that states that they represent the Albanian people from the North of Greece, has reportedly planned a demonstration to take place on Wednesday, May 14, beginning at approximately 1:00 pm.  According to the organizers, approximately 1500 demonstrators will meet at the Malieveld in The Hague and march past several government buildings and diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Embassy, before ending the demonstration back at the Malieveld.  The demonstration is expected to last several hours.  American citizens are advised to avoid the areas in the city center, and to exercise caution, avoiding large groups of people.

 


A short film funded by Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders that is inflammatory towards Muslims was released on the Internet March 27, 2008. Neither the U.S. Consulate General nor the U.S. Embassy has any knowledge of demonstrations currently planned in The Netherlands with respect to the film, or related unrest. Demonstrations may, however, be spontaneous, taking place with little advance notice.

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are, therefore, urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

As noted in the Consular Information Sheet for the Netherlands, demonstrations are commonplace in the Netherlands and may range in number from a few people to several thousand. Prior police approval is required for public demonstrations, and police oversight is routinely provided. Nonetheless, situations may develop which could pose a threat to public safety. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas in which public demonstrations are taking place.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Consulate General in the Netherlands is located at Museumplein 19, Amsterdam, tel. +31 (20) 575-5309. The after-hours emergency telephone number is +31 (70) 310-2209.