Reiseinformasjon

[SWATII]

Jeg får rundt 60 eposter vær dag ifra en sammarbeidspartner vi har her i statene som heter Ijet. De sender oss åpen intel og informasjon om aktuelle hendelser rundt om i verden, mest myntet på de som til envær tid er ute å reiser, eller planlegger å reise i nær fremtid. Tenkte jeg ifra tid til annen ville dele noen av de epostene her med informasjon som om mulig kan være til hjelp, eller som enn mer generell informasjon for intresserte. Har skjekket med de, og jeg bryter ingen copyrights med dem ved å legge noen av de epostene ut her.

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Informational Alert

Health: UPDATE 1: Hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks continue to spread in Vietnam; activity highest near Ho Chi Minh City. Maintain good personal and hand hygiene.

This alert affects Vietnam

This alert began 16 Aug 2011 17:38 GMT and is scheduled to expire 31 Aug 2011 23:59 GMT.

Updated Information
Outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) continue to spread throughout Vietnam. Authorities have reported a total of 32,588 cases and 81 deaths in 52 cities and provinces during 2011. Activity has been highest in Ho Chi Minh City - where officials first alerted increased HFMD transmission in early June - followed by the southern provinces of Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Long An, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Outbreaks have also occurred in Hanoi, Quang Ngai, and Thanh Hoa provinces.

Background
Symptoms of HFMD appear 3-7 days after exposure and include fever, sores in the mouth, and a blistering rash that frequently presents on the palms and soles of the feet. Rarely, severe complications can develop such as viral meningitis, paralysis, or encephalitis - all of which can result in hospitalization or death.

HFMD is very contagious and is spread through contact with secretions or fecal material from an infected person. Good personal and hand hygiene is critical to stop the spread of disease. Although persons of any age may be affected, children below the age of 10 are the usual victims.

Advice
Maintain good personal and hand hygiene: wash hands frequently with soap and water (or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer), clean dirty surfaces and items with soap and water then diluted bleach, avoid close contact with suspected HFMD patients. Seek prompt medical attention for fever and sore throat, especially in children.

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Informational Alert

Transportation: Finnish State Railways staff shortage causing major train services disruptions in Helsinki region. Expect delays and cancellations through at least Aug. 17.

This alert affects Helsinki

This alert began 16 Aug 2011 11:17 GMT and is scheduled to expire 17 Aug 2011 23:59 GMT.
• Incident: Finnish State Railways staff shortage
• Locations: Helsinki, Leppavaara, Kauklahti, Tikkurila and Kerava
• Duration: Through at least Aug. 17
• Impact: Delays and cancellations on local A, E, I, K and N trains
Summary
A number of local train services have been canceled due to temporary Finish State Railways (VR) staff shortages. The cancellations will affect the A, E, I, K and N trains operating between Helsinki and Leppavaara, Kauklahti, Tikkurila and Kerava through at least Aug. 17.

VR says it has experienced difficulties in finding replacement staff for those who have called in sick. Many employees have reached their maximum overtime quota of 250 hours. Heavy snow last winter forced staff to work an excessive amount of overtime.

Advice
Allow additional time to reach destinations. Consider alternate transport.

Resource
Finnish Railways: www.vr.fi
Information hotline: 0 600 41 900 (in Finland)

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Informational Alert

Transportation: First TransPennine Express rail drivers to strike Aug. 24 and 26 in the UK. Expect rail service disruptions. Consider alternate transportation.

The locations affected by this alert are:
• England - Manchester
• Scotland - Edinburgh
• Scotland - Glasgow
• England - Leeds
• England - Liverpool
• England - Harrogate
• England - Swanwick
• England - Newcastle
This alert began 17 Aug 2011 22:24 GMT and is scheduled to expire 26 Aug 2011 23:59 GMT.
• Event: Rail strike
• Date: Aug. 24, 26
• Location: Network-wide, primarily in northeastern and western England, Scotland
• Impact: Rail delays and cancellations
Summary
Engineers at First Transpennine Express (FTPE) have called two 24-hour strikes on Aug. 24 and 26 in connection with an ongoing dispute over wages. The FTPE operates rail services across northeastern and western England, Scotland, and the Manchester Airport (MAN).

The Aug. 26 action date coincides with a bank holiday and various large festivals in Leeds and Edinburgh.

Background and Analysis
Both the Associated Society of Locomotive Steam Enginemen and Firemen (ASLEF) and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) unions voted in favor of the strike. As a result, the strike is likely to result in widespread rail delays and cancellations.

Advice
Confirm all rail reservations. Consider alternate forms of transportation.

Resource
FTPE: www.tpexpress.co.uk

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Informational Alert

Transportation: Qantas Airways engineers to launch industrial actions in Australia starting Aug. 25. Flight delays likely. Consider alternate airlines.
This alert affects Australia

This alert began 18 Aug 2011 15:12 GMT and is scheduled to expire 27 Aug 2011 23:59 GMT.
• Event: Qantas engineer industrial actions
• Start Date: Aug. 25
• Location: Network-wide
• Impact: Flight disruptions
Summary
Qantas Airways (QF) engineers are planning to launch a series of industrial actions beginning Aug. 25. The Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association has not yet confirmed the exact details of the actions, but said that they will include work stoppages and refusals to work overtime. While engineers comprise only a small number of Qantas employees, their approval is required to certify significant maintenance work and allow planes to fly. Flight disruptions are possible, especially during work stoppages.

Background and Analysis
The labor action may be the first in a series to hit Qantas. Most of the airline's unions are in an uproar after Qantas announced Aug. 16 that it would cut 1,000 jobs as part of a restructuring of its international operations. Many other unions have threatened to stage labor actions, though they have yet to announce projected dates or definitive plans.

Advice
Verify all flights starting Aug. 25. Closely monitor local media for details on the engineers' actions and updates on possible future strikes by other Qantas unions. Consider booking flights on alternate airlines until the unrest has subsided.

Resource
Qantas Airways: www.qantas.com.au

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Informational Alert

Security: SITUATION REPORT: String of car torchings likely to continue in Berlin, Germany. Unidentified arsonists have torched almost 50 vehicles since Aug. 15.

This alert affects Berlin

This alert began 19 Aug 2011 16:10 GMT and is scheduled to expire 22 Aug 2011 23:59 GMT.

Situation Report
Unidentified arsonists have targeted vehicles in Berlin for a fourth night Aug. 19; so far, the assailants have burned almost 50 cars. Many of the vehicles have been privately owned luxury brands, such as BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. The attacks have been concentrated in the affluent western borough of Charlottenburg and the eastern neighborhood of Friedrichshain, as well as other neighborhoods across the city.

Background and Analysis
Berlin's central districts continue to experience a relatively high level of arson attacks on cars; at least 158 vehicle arson incidents have been reported this year alone. In almost all cases, the perpetrators are left-wing, anti-capitalist activists, explaining why high-end cars are generally targeted. While previous attacks were concentrated in the eastern borough of Friedrichshain, which is a center for left-wing activists, the most recent arson attacks have moved west into more affluent neighborhoods in Berlin. The attacks, however, do not represent a long-term change to property security in central Berlin at this time and are likely just opportunistic apolitical vandalism. The unusually high number of attacks is likely to continue in the short term - especially during the weekend - but Berlin police are stepping up patrols in potential hot spots and using helicopters with heat seeking radars. The latest incidents are likely inspired by the recent riots in the UK.

[admin]

Suverent! Keep up.

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Warning Alert

Security: UPDATE 1: Military deploys armored vehicles along roads leading to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, as part of area security sweep. Defer unneccesary travel.

This alert affects Egypt

This alert began 22 Aug 2011 17:49 GMT and is scheduled to expire 22 Sep 2011 23:59 GMT.

Updated Information
Security forces have began deploying armored personnel carriers (APC) along Sinai Peninsula roads leading towards the major resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. The APC deployment will take place alongside a series of new checkpoints along main eastern and western roads as well as the mountainous road that bisects the peninsula. The offensive will concentrate on raiding suspected militant positions in northern Sinai first, before sweeping into the more mountainous central part of the peninsula. Violence is almost certain if the security forces encounter any militants.

Background and Analysis
Militant attacks in the Sinai have risen in recent months. In particular, the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula, a restive frontier region where local Bedouin tribes have colluded with militant groups to move arms and people into the nearby Gaza Strip, has seen a dramatic uptick in violence. Security in the area has been lax for years, and there have been increased fears of militant incursions into Egyptian territory in the wake of the country's recent revolution. In a bold attack on July 29, approximately 150 Islamist militants rampaged through El-Arish, yelling slogans, damaging property, and killing five people during an attack on a police station.

On Aug. 13, the army began preparing for a major assault on militant groups and outlaws in the volatile Sinai Peninsula. Thousands of troops, backed by a large contingent of armored vehicles and tanks, took up positions in the region, with advance elements seen in the towns of Rafah, El-Arish, and Sheikh Zuweid. Although forces have since made a number of arrests, the militants have remained elusive and even managed to maintain their attacking capabilities, as was demonstrated in a series of sophisticated assaults in Eilat, Israel, Aug. 18. At least seven Israelis were killed and another 40 people were wounded in the attacks.

Advice
Avoid the Sinai Peninsula until after the military offensive is completed. If in the area, avoid military patrols, government buildings, or any suspected militant strongholds or hideouts.

[holmiz]

Suverent initiativ SWATII, denne tråden leses med høy interesse og burde vært sticky! Men kan jeg ydmykt be om at orddelingen i tittelen rettes opp i?

[84mm]

God intel dette swat! Har planer om en tur til Sharm el Sheik i februar.. Greit å ha info om ting og tang ja..

[Bestefar]

Hiver meg på applausen her, dette er gode greier!

[SWATII]

Takker for fine tilbakemeldinger. Rundt 80% av de mailene jeg får er for ting som skjer i Pakistan og A-stan, så de tar jeg ikke med, prøver heller å ta med ting og tang som skjer ved feriesteder eller vestlige land.

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Warning Alert

Transportation: Union leaders call for general strike and protests across Italy Sept. 6. Expect business closures and significant transportation disruptions. Violence possible.

This alert affects Italy

This alert began 24 Aug 2011 03:57 GMT and is scheduled to expire 06 Sep 2011 23:59 GMT.
• Event: General strike and protests
• Date: Sept. 6
• Location: Nationwide
• Impact: Commercial, transport, public service disruptions; low-level violence possible

Summary
Leaders of Italy's left-wing CGIL labor confederation have called for a general strike and mass demonstrations across Italy Sept. 6 to protest government austerity measures and pension reforms. The strike, if not averted, will affect local and regional public transportation. While the strikes could cause severe transport disruptions, it is unlikely that they will be crippling; Italian law requires that a minimum level of service be maintained during strikes. Widespread commercial and public service disruptions are also very likely.

Advice
Avoid all demonstrations and allow additional time to reach destinations. Confirm reservations and consider alternative means of transportation.

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Warning Alert

Security: Activists to protest outside of Israeli Embassy in Cairo, Egypt Aug. 26. Avoid the protest site.

This alert affects Egypt

This alert began 24 Aug 2011 16:27 GMT and is scheduled to expire 26 Aug 2011 23:59 GMT.
• Event: Anti-Israel protests
• Date: Aug. 26
• Location: Israeli Embassy, downtown Cairo; also possible at Israeli Consulate in Alexandria
• Impact: Heightened security, localized traffic disruptions likely; violence possible

Summary
A coalition of political groups has called for a million-man demonstration in front of the Israeli Embassy in downtown Cairo Aug. 26. Protest organizers are demanding that Egypt expel the Israeli ambassador in the wake of the Aug. 18 killing of five Egyptian soldiers on the Egypt-Israel border. Expect a heightened security presence around the Israeli Embassy and localized traffic delays. Security forces are not likely to disperse the protest, although they will almost certainly respond with force if large numbers of protesters attempt to breach the compound.

Although protest organizers are focusing on Cairo, smaller demonstrations are possible at the Israeli Consulate in Alexandria.

Background
Activists have been conducting a small sit-in outside the embassy since Aug. 18, when the soldiers were reportedly killed by an Israeli helicopter in the Sinai while it was pursuing militants who had just carried out an assault against targets near the Israeli city of Eilat. The deaths have resulted in a serious diplomatic rift between the two former adversaries, with the Egyptian government nearly recalling its ambassador to Israel and continuing to demand a formal apology from the Israeli government. Israel has maintained silence on the issue as it conducts an investigation into the incident, though some Israeli officials have alleged that the soldiers were killed by fleeing militants instead of Israeli forces.

Advice
Avoid the Israeli Embassy during the protest. Exercise caution while moving through downtown Cairo, and use alternate routes to avoid traffic disruptions.

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Warning Alert

Transportation: French Eurotunnel staff to launch strike Aug. 27. Expect ground travel and freight disruptions between UK and France. Arrange alternate transportation.

The locations affected by this alert are:
• England - London
• Paris

This alert began 24 Aug 2011 17:00 GMT and is scheduled to expire 28 Aug 2011 23:59 GMT.
• Event: Eurotunnel staff strike
• Time Frame: Beginning Aug. 27
• Location: Eurotunnel between Folkestone, UK and Calais, France
• Impact: Rail, freight disruptions

Summary
French Eurotunnel employees will launch an indefinite strike beginning Aug. 27. As a result, Eurotunnel has suspended ticket reservations beyond Aug. 27, though it plans to mitigate disruptions by staffing the French terminal with British drivers, who are not participating in the labor action. However, the strike may still lead to widespread rail delays and cancellations. Europorte, a subsidiary of Eurotunnel that operates freight rail transport, will also be affected.

The strike date coincides with a bank holiday and various large festivals in the UK, as well as the weekend UK citizens return to the country before school begins; thousands of passengers generally travel over the particularly busy weekend. Alternate forms of transport, such as SeaFrance, the ferry service connecting Dover and Calais, will be extremely crowded and may face overbooking.

The French unions CFDT, CGT, FO, and CFE/CGC are participating in the strike to demand higher wages.

Advice
Confirm all reservations. Consider alternate forms of transportation. Allow additional time for travel.

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Informational Alert

Security: Security significantly heightened for Notting Hill carnival in London, UK, Aug. 28-29. Expect transportation and business disruptions.

This alert affects England - London

This alert began 26 Aug 2011 16:37 GMT and is scheduled to expire 29 Aug 2011 23:59 GMT.
• Event: Notting Hill carnival
• Time/Date: 0900-1900 Aug. 28-29
• Location: Notting Hill area, London
• Impact: Significantly heightened security, road closures, public transit and business disruptions
Summary
Authorities have significantly increased security ahead of the Aug. 28-29 Notting Hill carnival in London, which is likely to draw around 1 million spectators. London's police force will have up to 10,000 officers on duty during the weekend bank holiday and carnival festivities amid concerns that violent riots could erupt. Heightened security measures, such as stop-and-search and screening wands, will be used near the carnival's entry points.

Carnival organizers have reduced the event's hours to 0900-1900 in order to avoid potential disorders in the evening. Shops and restaurants in the immediate area of the carnival are also likely to close early. Local public transit and road closures will be widespread in the Notting Hill area, and tube stops near the event will close temporarily or be exit-only.

Background and Analysis
Authorities in London have detained over 40 people as a precaution leading up to the popular festival. Police said that they had intelligence indicating gangs planned to cause trouble in the city over the weekend. This information is most likely inflammatory remarks posted on social networking sites, and the large police presence throughout the city will ensure that any developing disturbances will be dealt with swiftly. Police officers are on high alert so that riots similar to the ones that broke out in London and other UK cities earlier this month are not repeated.

Advice
Allow extra travel time to reach destinations. Be cooperative and non-confrontational if stopped by police.

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Warning Alert

Security: The 9/11 anniversary raises concern about possible attacks against Western interests in certain Asian countries Sept. 11. No specific warnings issued.

Summary
The anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in the US has prompted concerns about potential terror strikes in various countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region, although no governments have released any information about specific threats. Security problems are more likely in countries where Islamist-inspired terrorism has been a concern, with jihad groups possibly seeking to stage attacks on the anniversary to garner maximum attention and demonstrate their continued relevancy. This could include pre-planned, mass-casualty attacks or spontaneous acts of violence by extremists acting alone or in small groups, including shootings, grenade attacks, minor bombings, and other unsophisticated, low-level incidents.

Individual murders and kidnappings targeting Westerners could occur, although extremists have, for the most part, not staged these types of attacks outside Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the southern Philippines since the 1990s. Maintaining a low profile and limiting exposure to overt symbols of the Western diplomatic, commercial, and/or military presence is advisable in countries where Islamist extremism remains a problem, particularly Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Expect increased security around Western diplomatic missions, airports, major hotels, and possibly places where large numbers of expatriates live in terrorism-affected cities.

Bomb threats and other security scares are possible. Various governments may revise existing travel advice or issue warnings for certain countries based on perceived terror threats related to the anniversary. Anti-US or anti-Israel rallies organized by hard-line Muslim groups are possible and could provoke confrontations with police. The possible desecration of the Qu'ran by protesters or religious figures in the US during anniversary observances could prompt large-scale protests in predominantly Muslim countries after Sept. 11.

Advice
Avoiding all potential terror targets is impractical for those living and working in the countries listed above, but observing commonsense precautions and staying away from high-profile sites such as embassies and consulates, especially US diplomatic missions, is advisable. Threat conditions will vary by location, but avoiding known hotspots for militancy is especially pertinent at this time. To the extent possible, avoid events where foreign dignitaries and prominent political leaders may be in attendance on Sept. 11 (in terrorism-prone cities). Stay away from all protests, particularly in areas where strong anti-Western sentiment exists. Review emergency plans and closely monitor local media for updates about possible unrest. Register and maintain contact with your respective diplomatic mission to receive emergency information and inform relevant authorities about your presence in the country. Plan accordingly for potential travel disruptions due to bomb threats or other security issues ahead of and on the anniversary.

Recommended Sites to Avoid (Sept. 11)
• US and other Western diplomatic missions
• Sites hosting official 9/11 anniversary observances
• Major Western-branded hotels, iconic hotels frequented by foreigners
• Western-branded restaurants and other businesses symbolic of Western presence
• Jewish interests and Israeli diplomatic missions and/or corporate facilities (India, Singapore)
• Major restaurants and shopping centers frequented by foreigners
• Major transport centers
• Entrances to prominent expatriate housing complexes and military bases and other facilities used by US or other NATO forces (Afghanistan, Singapore, Philippines)

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Informational Alert

Transportation: Radical Islamist group to hold rally outside US Embassy in London, UK, Sept. 11. Expect traffic disruptions, heightened security. Violence unlikely.
This alert affects England - London

This alert began 09 Sep 2011 06:42 GMT and is scheduled to expire 11 Sep 2011 23:59 GMT.
• Event: Demonstration
• Date: Sept. 11
• Location: US Embassy at Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London
• Impact: Traffic disruptions, heightened security, violence unlikely
Summary
The radical Islamist group Muslims Against Crusades plans to hold a rally outside of the US Embassy in London on Sept. 11 to disrupt events commemorating the 9/11 anniversary. The group plans to be "very noisy" during organized moments of silence. The rally is unlikely to attract more than a hundred people, but traffic disruptions are likely near Grosvenor Square. Expect very tight security at the site, making violence unlikely.

Advice
Allow additional time to reach nearby destinations, particularly if using the Bond Street or Marble Arch metro stations.

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Warning Alert

Security: Education protests planned across Spain Sept. 14 and 20. Expect heightened security, traffic disruptions; localized violence possible.

This alert affects Spain

This alert began 09 Sep 2011 05:41 GMT and is scheduled to expire 20 Sep 2011 23:59 GMT.
• Event: Education protests
• Dates: Sept. 14 and 20
• Location: Countrywide, especially Madrid
• Impact: Heightened security, traffic disruptions, possible localized violence
Summary
Teacher unions and education activists have planned large protests in Spain on Sept. 14 and 20 against up to EUR 2 billion (USD 2.81 billion) in government cuts in education spending. The largest protests will likely take place near the Ministry of Education in Madrid, with other cities likely to see large rallies in front of regional education ministries. Sept. 14 is the start of the school year.

Expect heightened security and traffic disruptions near rally sites and along march routes. Transport disruptions resulting from blocked roads or temporary metro station closures are possible. Clashes may occur between protesters and police.

Background and Analysis
Since May, trade unions and civic groups have held protests across the country over proposed constitutional reforms, austerity measures, and the high unemployment rate. Spain has the EU's highest unemployment rate at 21.3 percent, affecting approximately 4.9 million people. The protests have generally been peaceful, though some clashes between police and rioters have occurred.

Advice
Avoid all demonstrations and allow additional time for travel near protests.

[SWATII]

Gjærne ikke så mange reisende hit, men intressant åkke som....

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Informational Alert

Security: IDF and LAF go on high alert following Israeli activity near Lebanese border Sept. 13. UNIFIL deployed to defuse situation. Avoid border area.
The locations affected by this alert are:

• Israel
• Lebanon
This alert began 13 Sep 2011 15:47 GMT and is scheduled to expire 15 Sep 2011 23:59 GMT.
• Incident: Border tensions
• Location: Fatima Gate, Israel/Lebanon Border
• Date: Sept. 13
• Impact: IDF and LAF border forces on high alert, UNIFIL troops in area to defuse situation
Summary
Tensions are high along the Israel/Lebanon border Sept. 13 after Israeli security services installed cameras near Fatima Gate, a former crossing point on the closed border, approximately 65 km (40 miles) southeast of Beirut, Lebanon. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) went on high alert in reaction to the Israeli activity, prompting a similar response from Israel Defense Force (IDF) units in the area. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) dispatched troops to the border in an effort to prevent a confrontation. There have been no reports of violence, but it is not clear if the situation has been resolved.

Background and Analysis
Since the withdrawal of the IDF from southern Lebanon in 2000, the closed Israel/Lebanon border has been in a near constant state of elevated tensions. Minor border clashes are not uncommon. Security forces along the border frequently go on alert due to a perceived provocation from the other side, and demonstrations on the Lebanese border occasionally prompt a response from the IDF. In the most serious incident of border violence since the 2006 Lebanon war, clashes between LAF and IDF forces resulted in the deaths of three soldiers and one journalist in 2010. While any border violence is significant in that it reflects a larger macro-political trend of hostility between the two neighbors, it is unlikely that the Sept. 13 incident will result in any significant near-term increase in border tensions.

Advice
Avoid the shared border area between Lebanon and Israel. If traveling within sight of the border, have identification on hand and avoid any provocative actions that may raise alarm. Follow all instructions from border security officials.

[84mm]

Foe oss som har vært litt rundtomkring der nede en gang i tiden er det alltid nice to know..

[SWATII]

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Warning Alert

Transportation: Multiple rallies planned during UN General Assembly in New York City Sept. 20-27. Expect tight security, street closures, and traffic disruptions.
This alert affects New York - New York City

This alert began 19 Sep 2011 02:32 GMT and is scheduled to expire 28 Sep 2011 23:59 GMT.

• Event: UN General Assembly
• Time Frame: Sept. 13-27
• Location: UN Headquarters, East Side, Manhattan, New York City
• Impact: Tight security, street closures, vehicular and maritime traffic disruptions, protests

Summary
About 120 heads of state and government, as well as other high-ranking diplomats are gathering in New York City for the 66th annual UN General Assembly, which opened on Sept. 13 and runs through Sept. 27. Expect very tight security around the UN headquarters on Manhattan's East Side, as well as around major hotels and other sites hosting foreign diplomatic delegations. Street closures are in effect around the UN complex. The East River is closed to maritime traffic between 35th and 59th streets through Sept. 21; additional restrictions are possible through Sept. 27. Although major security problems are unlikely, an upsurge of disruptions due to suspiciously parked vehicles and/or unattended bags or packages is possible.

Periodic Street Closures
• 34th Street to 60th Street between First and Third avenues
• 48th to 51st streets westward to Madison Avenue
• FDR Drive to Seventh Avenue on 34th, 42nd, 50th and 57th streets
• 51st to 56th streets between Fifth and Seventh avenues
• Fifth and Sixth Avenues between West 40th and West 42nd streets
Protests
Numerous protests typically occur during the UN General Assembly, especially during high-level meetings involving prominent world leaders and during general debate sessions (Sept. 21-23 and Sept. 26-27). Groups opposed to the presence of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, who will deliver an address Sept. 21, are planning rallies near the UN headquarters and the Warwick Hotel (65 West 54th Street) where he will be staying. The issue of Palestinian statehood should also generate sizable protests, particularly on Sept. 24, when Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will both address the General Assembly. Expect a visible police presence around demonstrations; some minor security disturbances are possible.

Advice
Avoid protesters. Allow additional time for commuting in areas where street closures are possible. Carry identification and plan for security delays around major hotels. Stay away from the UN headquarters through Sept. 27 if possible.

[SWATII]

En liten gla nyhet.

Worldcue® Alert

Severity: Informational Alert

Security: Tribesmen free kidnapped Norwegian aid worker seized in Sana'a, Yemen, early Jan. 27. Defer unnecessary travel to Yemen.
This alert affects Yemen
This alert began 27 Jan 2012 13:35 GMT and is scheduled to expire 29 Jan 2012 23:59 GMT.
•Incident: Kidnapped foreign national released
•Location: Sana'a
•Time/Date: Early Jan. 27
Summary
A group of tribal fighters released a kidnapped Norwegian UN employee in Sana'a early Jan. 27. The victim had been seized in the capital city late Jan. 14 and transported to Marib Province. A tribal spokesman said he was being held to pressure the government to release one of their fellow tribesmen from government custody. It is unclear if their demands were met in order to secure the foreign national's release.

Background
Much of Yemen's political and social spectrum is dominated by tribal affairs, with some powerful tribes possessing weaponry nearly on a par with the government's. Security throughout the country has dramatically deteriorated due to the country's ongoing protest movement aimed at forcing former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and elements of his regime from power, a rise in Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) activity, and a resurgence of tribal violence.

Foreigners remain an attractive target for both Islamist militants as well as disaffected tribal militias, as victims are used to bargain for the release of captives or to fulfill other objectives. On Nov. 22, a French aid worker and her Yemeni translator and driver were kidnapped; they were released unharmed two days later. AQAP also kidnapped three French citizens in June before releasing them in November.