State Department issues warnings on Pakistan and Zimbabwe

April 1, 2000
Web posted at: 5:08 a.m. EST (1008 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The State Department has issued warnings about the safety of American citizens in Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

In Pakistan, the American Consulate General in Karachi issued a statement to American citizens in the local community saying that "the United States Embassy in Islamabad has information regarding a possible kidnapping of an American in or around Karachi between March 31 and April 6."

The statement says "although the information is unconfirmed, it is prudent for all Americans to review their security practices, particularly being aware of their surroundings and varying their travel times and routes."

In Zimbabwe, the U.S. embassy in Harare is alerting citizens about "certain conditions" which could potentially affect their safety.

"These conditions include the occupations of commercial farms, the potential for unrest during the run-up to the parlimentary elections in May or June 2000, and flooding and fuel shortages."

The statement notes that "the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association" is occupying commercial farms throughout the country.

"Police authorities view these farm occupations as a political issue and have been unwilling to dislodge the trespassers," the statement continues. U.S. visitors and residents "are urged not to visit any occupied commercial farm."

The statement also warns U.S. citizens to avoid political rallies and street demonstrations connected to the election run-up.

"These demonstrations and rallies have the potential to turn violent, and they typically occur in the central business districts of cities or in high-density suburbs."

And the statement warns that recent cyclones have caused heavy flooding in major cities, and suggests that travellers check with hotels to ascertain the area's condtions before traveling.

Finally, fuel shortages have resulted in long lines at gas stations, and visitors are warned to check with rental car companies to determine what the situation is like in the area they will visit.

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