The security situation in Colombia has worsened in the aftermath of the collapse of peace talks between the government and rebels.

On February 20, Colombian President Andres Pastrana announced that peace talks with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) had ended and that the armed forces would reestablish government control over the demilitarized zone in southern Colombia. As a result of these developments, there is a likelihood of increased terrorist violence in Colombia.

The Department of State reaffirms its warning that American citizens avoid all travel to Colombia. Americans already residing or traveling in Colombia are advised to exercise increased caution and vigilance under the current circumstances. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the appropriate Colombian authorities. American citizens in Colombia may contact the U.S. Embassy via telephone at 571-315-0811 during work hours, or 571-315-2109/10 after hours, if assistance is required.

For further information concerning travel to Colombia, travelers should consult the Department of State's Travel Warning and Consular Information Sheet for Colombia at http://travel.state.gov/colombia.html.

This Public Announcement supplements the April 17, 2001 Colombia Travel Warning and the April 18, 2001 Consular Information Sheet for Colombia to reflect the worsening security situation in the country following the collapse of peace talks between the government and rebels. This Public Announcement expires on May 21, 2002.