This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Nicaragua to the potential for violent demonstrations leading up to the national election in Nicaragua on November 5, 2006. This Public Announcement expires on April 18, 2007.

U.S. citizens are advised that in the run-up to Nicaragua's national elections on November 5, demonstrations and sporadic acts of violence are possible in major cities throughout the country. Protests and demonstrations can be unpredictable in time, place, and intensity. In Managua, clashes most frequently occur between the Nicaraguan National Police and university students. They can involve firing tear gas, rubber bullets and homemade explosive devices, throwing rocks, burning tires and vehicles, and blocking roads. In the past, bystanders have been injured. The potential for demonstrations and sporadic acts of violence also exists during the elections and in the immediate aftermath.

American residents and visitors in Nicaragua are urged to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and avoid crowds and demonstrations. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Since the timing and routes of marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments, and exercise discretion in moving about.

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 Cautions, 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. Embassy is located at Kilometer 4 1/2 (4.5) Carretera Sur, Managua; telephone (505) 266-6010 or 268-0123; after hours telephone (505) 266-6038; Consular Section fax (505) 266-9943; E-mail: consularmanagua@state.gov Web page: http://nicaragua.usembassy.gov/.