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This is the official note from Paris...just released online...

U.S. EMBASSY PARIS, FRANCE

SECURITY UPDATE



This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to a large demonstration in Paris scheduled for this Thursday, January 29, 2009.



According to local police, there will be a large demonstration organized by the major French trade unions this Thursday, January 29, 2009, beginning at 1:00 p.m. A march will begin at Place de la Bastille and end at Place de l'Opéra. Areas affected will be Place de la Bastille, boulevard Beaumarchais, boulevard Filles du Calvaire, boulevard du Temple, Place de la République, boulevard Saint Martin, boulevard Saint Denis, boulevard Poissonnière, boulevard Montmartre, boulevard des Italiens, boulevard des Capucines, and Place de l'Opéra. Local police estimate the demonstration should end around 8:00 p.m.



French police expect at least 40,000-50,000 participants. Public transportation will be heavily disrupted. Automobile traffic is expected to be disrupted in various areas throughout Paris; routes should be planned accordingly.



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 these areas, if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.



The U.S. Embassy in Paris can be reached at 01-43-12-22-22 during regular hours and for after-hours emergencies. Our website address is http://france.usembassy.gov. For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the

Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs' website at http://travel.state.gov, where Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Worldwide Caution 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. and Canada; 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).



Americans living or traveling in France or Monaco are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within France and Monaco. Americans

without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in cases of emergency.



United States Embassy

American Citizen Services Unit

4, avenue Gabriel

75382 Paris Cedex 08

France

Telephone in France: 01 43 12 22 22

Telephone from U.S.: (011 33) 1 43 12 22 22

Website: http://france.usembassy.gov

E-mail: mailto:citizeninfo@state.gov