EFTA01807573.pdf

From: Dave Johnson Sent: Monday, March 20, 2017 12:06 PM To: Phil Baker US Cc: Myla Baker US Subject: Fwd: Daily Digest: 01:07 GMT 20 Mar 2017 Hi Phil, We=receive these daily security updates from our Medical support =ompany Thought you might be interested DAVE JOHNSON email: Begin forwarded message: From: =/b>Daily Digest <[email protected]> Subject: =/b>Daily Digest: =1:07 GMT 20 Mar 2017 Date: =/b>March 19, 2017 at 9:09:19 PM =DT To: =/b Daily =igest Africa Congo =DRC): Kasai-Central, Lomami provinces: Kidnap of foreign nationals, =resh militia violence highlight need for enhanced precautions =Revised) <x-msg://4/#1057735> Members travelling in Kasai-Central =nd Kasai-Oriental provinces should enquire about local conditions prior =o setting out, following an increase in security incidents attributed =o local militiamen in the past few months. On 14 March, sporadic =hooting erupted in Kananga (Kasai-Central province) during a visit to =he city by a government official. UN sources indicate that many people =ere killed during a retaliatory security operation by the authorities. =n 13 March, the authorities announced that two UN staff members —=a Swedish woman and a US man — had been kidnapped along with =our Congolese nationals by unidentified assailants near Ngombe village =n Bukonde district (Kasai-Central). Separately, several hundred gunmen =oyal to late militia leader Kamwina Nsapu on 11-12 March attacked the Mwene Ditu area (Lomami province). EFTA_R1_00156012 EFTA01807573 More Nigeria: Abuja, =outh-eastern states: Protests possible from 20 March during trial of =eparatist activist <x- msg://4/#1057766> Members visiting the =outh-eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Rivers should monitor =evelopments during the trial of Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu, the leader of the =ndependent People of Biafra (IPOB) activist group and director of =iafra Radio, and three fellow activists are due to appear on 20 March =t the Federal High Court in the capital Abuja. Kanu faces charges =elated to his role in earlier pro-Biafra protests and statements made =n his radio broadcasts. He and his fellow activists have all pleaded =ot guilty. More <x-msg://4/#1057766> Nigeria: Increase in =eningitis <x-msg://4/#1057781> Suspected cases of meningitis, =ncluding meningococcal meningitis, have been reported in over 20 states =ince the beginning of the year, while an outbreak in Zamfara State is =nder investigation. Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial =nfection that can be rapidly life-threatening. It spreads from =erson-to-person via infected droplets. Treatment with antibiotics is =rgent. Prevention is through vaccination, and attention to hygiene, =hile close contacts of cases need preventive antibiotics. More <x-msg://4/111057781> Americas Bolivia: La Paz, departmental =apitals: Expect disruption, avoid rallies on 21 March over maritime =ispute with Chile Members in the commercial =apital La Paz (La Paz department) and other departmental capitals on 21 =arch should avoid the vicinity of planned events linked to a maritime =ispute with neighbouring Chile. In La Paz, protesters will gather at =he University of El Alto campus, Estado Mayor, Plaza Avaroa and Puente =opater before converging on Plaza San Francisco between 17.00 and 20.00 =local time). Local reports also indicate that similar events will be =eld in other departmental capitals on the day, possibly simultaneously =ith the La Paz rally. More <x-msg://4/#1057779> Chile: Santiago: Plan journeys =ypassing rally at Plaza de Armas on 21March Members in the capital Santiago on 21 March should plan =ourneys bypassing a rally at 19.00 (local time) at Plaza de Armas as a =recaution. The gathering is being organised to express support for =scondida mine (Antofagasta region) workers, who have been observing an =ndefinite strike since early February over a dispute related to a =abour agreement. More <x-msg://4/#1057782> Asia & the =acific East Timor: Expect heightened security around 20 March =residential election, avoid all rallies (Revised) <x- msg://4/#1057768> Members in East Timor should expect increased security =easures associated with the 20 March presidential election, for which =ampaigning will end on 17 March. If none of the eight candidates =chieves an absolute majority, a run-off vote will be held on 20 April. =here have so far been few reports of major security incidents linked to =he electoral cycle, 2 EFTA_R1_00156013 EFTA01807574 with the exception of unrest on 4 March in the =apital Dili's Rai Cotu area between supporters of two presidential =andidates. However, all political rallies should be avoided as a =recaution. More <x-msg://4/#1057768> India: Delhi, environs: =thnic-Jat group calls off protests scheduled for 20 March =Revised) Normal movement can resume on 19-20 =arch in the capital Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) after =he ethnic-Jat ABJASS group called off protests following successful =alks between the group leaders and the Haryana government. ABJASS had =hreatened to block the prime minister's residence, the parliament =uilding, and all highways and roads in Delhi on the day if their =emands for Jat quotas in government jobs and educational institutions =ere not met. More <x-msg://4/#1057770> Nepal: Terai region: Avoid =urther protests over constitutional amendment bill, local elections =Revised) Members in the Terai region should =xpect and avoid protests in the coming days and weeks over a =ontroversial constitutional amendment bill and local elections =cheduled for 14 May. The United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF)- led =oalition has threatened to withdraw support for the government if it =oes not scrap the polls and allow the constitutional amendment bill to =e debated in parliament. Meanwhile, a political campaign by the main =pposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) =gainst the constitutional amendment bill is under way. More <x-msg://4/#1057759> Taiwan:=Taipei: Anticipate, avoid possible rallies in coming days over =ontroversial bill <x-msg://4/#1057726> Members in the capital =aipei in the coming days should anticipate and avoid possible rallies =y supporters and opponents of a draft legislation legalising same-sex =arriage. The Judicial Yuan will begin a constitutional review of the =ontroversial bill on 24 March. Previous related demonstrations have =ccurred in front of the Presidential Office and Legislative Yuan =uildings. While any gatherings are likely to pass off peacefully, =ocalised travel disruption should be anticipated. More Europe & CIS Belarus: Urban centres: =nticipate, avoid further protests over controversial tax (Revised) =/a> Members in urban centres should expect and =void further protests to demand that the government annul a tax on =hose not in full-time employment. Related protests were held on 15 =arch in the capital Minsk, Hrodna (Hrodna region) and Mogilev (Mogilev =egion), as well as on 12 March in Babruisk (Mogilev), Brest (Brest =egion), Orsha (Vitebsk region) and Rogachev (Gomel region). Although =resident Alexander Lukashenko announced on 9 March that the =ontroversial levy would be suspended for 2017, activists have =hreatened to hold further protests if the authorities do not take =ecisive steps to permanently cancel the so-called 'social parasite' =ax. Travellers should monitor developments following the expiration of = related ultimatum to the government on 17 March. More <x-msg://4/#1057729> France: Air France =light attendants to strike until 20 March; reconfirm schedules, =nticipate disruption (Revised) <x- msg://4/#1057771> 3 EFTA_R1_00156014 EFTA01807575 Members =cheduled to fly with Air France on 20 March should anticipate =isruption because of a strike planned by flight attendants represented =y the SNPNC and Unsa-PNC unions. Air France says its long-haul flights =ill operate normally, with only 2% of medium-haul and domestic flights =ikely affected. Some flights may still be cancelled and passenger =umbers on board other services limited. However, Air France flights =perated by other airlines, including HOP!, will remain totally =naffected. Staff are protesting over several issues including a =ow-cost subsidiary project that will offer reduced salaries to newly =ired flight attendants. More <x-msg://4/#1057771> France: Paris: Situation =ormalises at Orly Airport following shooting incident =Revised) <x-msg://4/$11057763> Operations at the capital's =aris-Orly Airport (ORY) have normalised following a security incident =t the facility on 18 March. The airport was temporarily closed after a =an at around 08.30 (local time) attempted to seize a military sentry's =eapon in the south terminal, before being fatally shot by security =orce personnel. More than 3,000 people were subsequently evacuated from =he terminal building. More <x-msg://4/#1057763> Kyrgyzstan: Urban centres: =xpect, avoid further rallies in support of arrested opposition leader =Revised) Opposition groups have stated that =urther rallies in support of arrested opposition leader Omurbek =ekebayev will be held regularly until he is released. Tekebayev, leader =f the opposition Ata-Meken Party, was arrested on 26 February on fraud =nd corruption charges. On 9 March, at least 100 protesters rallied =utside a courthouse at Ala-Too square in the capital Bishkek during =ekebayev's hearing, calling for his release. Concurrently, Tekebayev's =upporters marched along the Bishkek-Osh highway in Bazar-Korgon (Jalal =bad region). Members in or travelling to Kyrgyzstan in the coming weeks =hould avoid all associated gatherings as a precaution, to avoid =ncidental risks in the event of any unrest. More Portugal: Lisbon: Avoid =lanned protest by nationalist party on 21 March <x-msg://4/#1057780> Members in the capital Lisbon on 21 March should avoid a =rotest by the nationalist National Renovator Party (PNR) between 18.00 =nd 20.00 (local time). The demonstration, which is due to take place =utside Universidade Nova de Lisboa's Faculty of Human and Social =ciences on Avenida de Berna, was organised to denounce the cancellation =f a conference at the university on the grounds that it was associated =ith racism and xenophobia. More Mid East & N Africa Egypt: Cairo: Fatal security =orce raid in Nasr City highlights need for precautions Members are reminded to remain vigilant to their surroundings =ollowing a raid by security forces in the Nasr City area of the capital =airo on 16 March that resulted in the arrest of eight suspected members =f the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood movement. According to the Interior =inistry, the suspects were allegedly involved in the planning and =xecution of attacks against government institutions in Cairo. One =ivilian bystander was killed when two of the arrested suspects opened =ire while attempting to escape from the terrace of the agency's =eadquarters. This incident highlights the incidental risk to bystanders =uring security force operations. More 4 EFTA_R1_00156015 EFTA01807576 Israel: Nationwide bus strike =lanned from 21 March; book taxis in advance, allow additional travel =ime <x- msg://4/#1057767> The Histadrut general labour federation =as announced that Egged bus drivers will hold a nationwide strike from =arch 21over a subsidy dispute. Egged is the largest bus company in =srael and operates both intercity and urban routes. Members should =xpect increased demand for taxis if the strike proceeds and make =dvance bookings where possible. More Jordan: Dead Sea =rea: Plan routes avoiding restricted area for Arab Summit on 21-30 =arch <x-msg://4/#10S7772> Members in the Dead Sea area on 21-30 =arch should anticipate disruption linked to security measures and =estrictions in place for the Arab Summit (23.29 March). An area =xtending along both sides of the Jordan Valley Highway from the Holiday =nn Resort Dead Sea to the Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort and Spa =Balqa and Madaba governorates) will be closed to vehicles and =edestrians from 14.00 (local time) on 21 March until 12.00 on 30 =arch. More <x-msg://4/#1057772> Lebanon: Beirut: Avoid protests =n 19 March against proposed tax increases as precaution Members in the capital Beirut on 19 March should avoid =emonstrations scheduled to begin at 12.00 (local time) in Ain Mreisseh =nd Riad al-Solh Square. The rallies have been called by several =olitical parties and civil society groups in protest at proposed tax =ncreases. Related gatherings have taken place across the country since =6 March, some of which have caused travel disruption. While most =emonstrations have passed off without incident, all gatherings should =e avoided as a general precaution. More More detail Africa Congo (DRC): Kasai-Central, Lomami provinces: Kidnap of =oreign nationals, fresh militia violence highlight need for enhanced =recautions (Revised) Level: Notice Location: Kasai-Central,=Lomami - Congo (DRC); Category: Violent crime, Civil =nrest, Kidnap Members =ravelling in Kasai-Central and Kasai-Oriental provinces should enquire =bout local conditions prior to setting out, following an increase in =ecurity incidents attributed to local militiamen in the past few =onths. On 14 March, sporadic shooting erupted in Kananga (Kasai-Central =rovince) during a visit to the city by a government official. UN =ources indicate that many people were killed during a retaliatory =ecurity operation by the authorities. On 13 March, the authorities =nnounced that two UN staff members — a Swedish woman and a US =an — had been kidnapped along with four Congolese nationals by =nidentified assailants near Ngombe village in Bukonde district =Kasai-Central). Separately, several hundred gunmen loyal to late =ilitia leader Kamwina Nsapu on 11-12 March attacked the Mwene Ditu area (Lomami province). 5 EFTA_R1_00156016 EFTA01807577 Advice • Travel to =asai-Central, Lomami and Kasai-Oriental province can proceed with =nhanced security precautions. • Members travelling to =he region should enquire about local conditions prior to setting out. =aintain flexible itineraries, as impromptu outbreaks of violence remain =ossible and require extra vigilance. • In Kananga =ity, members should closely monitor local developments and be ready to =Land fast at a secure location at short notice. • For =ravel outside Kananga, it is preferable to seek local security support =r at least to travel in vehicle convoys. • Monitor =ur alerts on Congo (DRC) for further updates. More detail It is unclear at this point =ho carried out the kidnapping in Kasai-Central, which the authorities =ave attributed to 'negative forces', a term usually used to =esignate members of militia groups. The official statement also =nderlines that the two foreign national victims — who belong to =he UN's Group of Experts on Congo (DRC) — had not notified the =uthorities of their visit. The group most active recently in the region =s the Kamwina Nsapu militia, which is also responsible for a spate of =ttacks in the past few months. local sources report =t least 20 fatalities in the 11.12 March attacks in Mwene Ditu, which =riggered the imposition of a night-time curfew (between 20.00 and 06.00 =local time)). Earlier, on 6 March, clashes erupted between military =ersonnel and militiamen on the outskirts of Kamako, four miles (7km) =rom the Angolan border, in Kasai-Central. Several people were injured. =revious incidents were reported between 22 and 26 February in Nganza =nd Ndesha communes and the provincial capital Kananga (Kasai-Central). =ecurity and interior minister Emmanuel Shadary has been visiting =ananga since 12 March as part of the government's efforts to contain =he militia's activities. While members of this =ilitia have so far mainly targeted symbols of state or security forces =ersonnel, and have not been known to engage in indiscriminate banditry, =ivilians were included in the above casualties. Any renewed clashes =ould pose significant incidental risks to bystanders in affected =ocalities. On several occasions, militiamen have clashed with security =orces near Kananga Airport (KGA); other similar incidents could pose =isks to air travellers. Top <x-msg://4/#Top> Nigeria: Abuja, =outh-eastern states: Protests possible from 20 March during trial of =eparatist activist level: Advisory Location: Abuja, and =bia, Anambra, Enugu, Rivers states - Nigeria; Category: Protest, Civil unrest 6 EFTA_R1_00156017 EFTA01807578 Members visiting the south-eastern states of Abia, Anambra <https://goo.gl/maps/LNsfwT8VSg82> , Enugu and Rivers <https://goo.gl/maps/4jfaq3uGQLm> should monitor developments =uring the trial of Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu, the leader of the Independent =eople of Biafra (IPOB) activist group and director of Biafra Radio, and =hree fellow activists are due to appear on 20 March at the Federal High Court in the =apital Abuja. Kanu faces charges related to his role in earlier =ro-Biafra protests and statements made in his radio broadcasts. He and =is fellow activists have all pleaded not guilty. Advice • Pro-Kanu =atherings are possible outside the Federal High Court building in Abuja =or the duration of the trial. While any rallies can be expected to be =ell-policed, members should exercise caution if visiting the area and =eave at the first sign of unrest. • Members visiting =bia, Anambra, Enugu and Rivers states during the trial may encounter =arge and rowdy pro- Kanu protests, which precedents suggest could =egenerate into unrest. Liaise with local contacts for information on =ossible related demonstrations and plan routes circumventing them. =li class="">In the event of unrest, minimise movement and seek refuge =n a safe location until the situation stabilises. • Monitor our alerts on Nigeria for further updates. Top Nigeria: Increase in =eningitis level:=Advisory Location: Nigeria; =/b> Category: Meningitis =eningococcal Suspected cases of meningitis, including meningococcal =eningitis, have been reported in over 20 states since the beginning of =he year, while an outbreak in Zamfara State is under investigation. =eningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that can be =apidly life-threatening. It spreads from person-to-person via infected =roplets. Treatment with antibiotics is urgent. Prevention is through =accination, and attention to hygiene, while close contacts of cases =eed preventive antibiotics. Advice • All travellers =re recommended to be vaccinated with the quadrivalent meningitis =accine (serogroups A, C, Y and W135). EFTA_R1_00156018 EFTA01807579 ` Maintain =trict personal hygiene. ` Avoid crowds in outbreak =reas. ` Do not have close contact (such as kissing) =ith potentially infected people. ` Wash your hands =requently. ` If you develop symptoms, seek immediate =edical attention. More detail In the first week of March, =ver 80 suspected cases have been recorded in ten States, with at least =4 deaths. Authorities have sent a team to assist Zamfara State in its =nvestigation and response to a suspected outbreak where more than 400 =eople have been affected since November 2016. Northern =igeria lies in the 'meningitis belt' of Africa, and outbreaks of =eningococcal meningitis are common, especially during the dry season =December through to June). What is meningococcal =eningitis? Meningococcal disease, also known as =erebrospinal meningitis (CSM), is a severe and sometimes fatal =nfection caused by bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. =/p> The disease spreads from person to person. People can =ontract the disease if they inhale droplets that have been coughed or =neezed into the air by an infected person. Direct contact with an =nfected person's throat secretions (e.g. through kissing, sharing =rinks) can also spread the disease. Typically, epidemics of =eningococcal disease occur among people who live in close =uarters. Symptoms usually develop suddenly three to =even days after exposure. The bacterium invades the brain and its =inings and can multiply in the blood (septicaemia). Symptoms include =ever, intense headache, vomiting, and neck stiffness. A characteristic =ash occurs all over the body in most serious cases. If not treated =rgently, the disease may progress rapidly and can cause permanent brain =amage or death. Prevention is through hygiene, and =accination. Close contacts must be identified as they require =reventive antibiotics. For more information: • See the article "Meningococcal =eningitis" in the "Disease & Prevention" dropdown on International =OS Country Guides • See Nigeria on the International =OS Country Guides • Contact any International SOS assistance centre Assessment Meningitis is endemic =consistently present) in Nigeria. The risk increases during the dry =eason between December to June, and more cases are expected. Advice for managers 8 EFTA_R1_00156019 EFTA01807580 If relevant, ensure =our employees and travellers: • Consult a doctor for an individual =ecommendation on vaccination. • Are aware of =egional health threats including meningitis, and prevention strategies. =/li> • Know who, and how, to contact for advice and =reatment if they get sick during or after travel. Top Americas Bolivia: La Paz, departmental =apitals: Expect disruption, avoid rallies on 21 March over maritime =ispute with Chile Level: Notice Location: Bolivia; =/b> Category: Protest Members in the commercial capital La Paz (La Paz department) =nd other departmental capitals on 21 March =hould avoid the vicinity of planned events linked to a maritime dispute =ith neighbouring Chile. In La Paz, protesters will gather at the University of El Alto campus, Estado Mayor, Plaza Avaroa <https://goo.glimapsAGuZkkvY4p12> and Puente Topater before converging on Plaza San Francisco between 17.00 and 20.00 (local time). Local reports =lso indicate that similar events will be held in other departmental =apitals on the day, possibly simultaneously with the La Paz =ally. Advice • Avoid the =icinity of all related events as a basic precaution. • Liaise with local contacts for further information on related =vents outside La Paz on the day. • Large crowds and =ny associated security measures will cause localised disruption. Plan =ourneys bypassing the events to minimise travel delays and allow =dditional time to complete journeys. • Expect a =eightened security force presence in La Paz and other departmental =apitals on the day. • Monitor our alerts on Bolivia =or further updates. More detail During the War of the =acific (1879-83), Chile invaded Bolivia and annexed territory, =ncluding nearly 250 miles (400km) of coastline, which is now Chile's =ntofagasta region (Region II). The 21 March events have been organised =o mark the 138th anniversary of the annexation and Bolivia's =orthcoming response to a Chilean submission in an ongoing case linked =o the dispute at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague =Netherlands). 9 EFTA_R1_00156020 EFTA01807581 Top <x-msg://4/#Top> Chile: Santiago: Plan =ourneys bypassing rally at Plaza de Armas on 21 March Level: Notice Location: Santiago =/b> - Chile; Category: Protest Members in the capital Santiago on 21 =arch should plan journeys bypassing a rally at 19.00 (local time) at Plaza de Armas as a precaution. The gathering is being =rganised to express support for Escondida mine (Antofagasta region) =orkers, who have been observing an indefinite strike since early =ebruary over a dispute related to a labour agreement. Advice • Avoid the =icinity of the demonstration as a precaution. • Do =ot attempt to cross any roadblocks, as this could elicit a hostile =eaction from protesters. • Monitor our alerts on =hile for further developments. Top Asia =amp; the Pacific East Timor: Expect heightened =ecurity around 20 March presidential election, avoid all rallies =Revised) Level: =otice Location: East Timor; =/b> Category: Election Members in East Timor should expect increased security =easures associated with the 20 March =residential election, for which campaigning will end on 17 March. If =one of the eight candidates achieves an absolute majority, a run-off =ote will be held on 20 April. There have so =ar been few reports of major security incidents linked to the electoral =ycle, 10 EFTA_R1_00156021 EFTA01807582 with the exception of unrest on 4 March in the capital Dili's Rai =otu area between supporters of two presidential candidates. However, =11 political rallies should be avoided as a precaution. Advice • Normal travel to =ast Timor during the current election cycle can continue. • Travel outside the capital Dili, particuarly in more remote =ocations, the Oecussi enclave and border areas with Indonesia, requires =etailed planning and logistical support due to poor infrastructure. =/Ii> • Protests can become violent: avoid all =emonstrations and vacate the area immediately if protesters and/or =ecurity force personnel begin to gather. In the event of unrest =ccurring, where possible to do so safely, seek shelter in your =iplomatic mission. • Register with your embassy and =elevant warden networks prior to travel and monitor domestic =evelopments for signs of rising tension during your stay. • Monitor our East Timor alerts for related updates. More detail While political stability =nd the security environment have significantly improved since =lection-related violence in 2007, there remains the potential for =nrest during the current electoral cycle. Precedents from the 2012 =residential poll indicate the possibility of arson attacks and other =cts of vandalism targeting government buildings and candidates' =ffices. In addition to the campaign period, potential flashpoints =nclude 23-25 March, when the final results =f the first round are expected. Tight security, =ncluding roadblocks and police cordons, can therefore be expected =round government buildings and party offices over the coming weeks. In =ili, security will be particularly stringent around the National =lectoral Commission building <https://goo.gl/maps/vjiFDDAnDjE2> , the Technical Secretariat for =lectoral Administration office and the Government Palace (Palacio do Governo). Police =heckpoints and traffic restrictions in the vicinity of such buildings =ay result in delays to road journeys. Top <x-msg://4/#Top> India: Delhi, environs: =thnic-Jat group calls off protests scheduled for 20 March =Revised) Level: =otice Location: Delhi, =nvirons • India; Category: Transport disruption, =rotest Normal movement can resume on 19-20 March in the capital =elhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) after the ethnic-Jat ABJASS =roup called off protests following successful talks between the group =eaders and the Haryana 11 EFTA_R1_00156022 EFTA01807583 government. ABJASS had threatened to block the =rime minister's residence, the parliament building, and all highways =nd roads in Delhi on the day if their demands for Jat quotas in =overnment jobs and educational institutions were not met. Advice • Normal travel =an resume on 19-20 March. • Avoid all related =atherings as a standard security precaution. Leave an area immediately =t the first sign that demonstrators and/or the security forces are =athering. • Monitor our alerts on India for further =nformation. More detail Jat leaders have announced =hat the protest campaign could resume should the Haryana government =ail to come through on the accepted demands within the next 15-20 days. =here have been ongoing sit-in protests in 31locations across Haryana =tate, which have been largely peaceful. Following the latest agreement =n 19 March, protests at 21 sites will be withdrawn; the other 10 will =emain primarily symbolic protests with limited participation as =rotesters await the implementation of their demands. Top Nepal: Terai region: =void further protests over constitutional amendment bill, local =lections (Revised) Level: Notice Location: Terai region =/b> - Nepal; Category: Protest, Transport =isruption, Civil unrest Members in the Terai region should expect and avoid protests =n the coming days and weeks over a controversial constitutional =mendment bill and local elections scheduled for 14 May. The United =emocratic Madhesi Front (UDMF)- led coalition has threatened to withdraw =upport for the government if it does not scrap the polls and allow the =onstitutional amendment bill to be debated in parliament. Meanwhile, a =olitical campaign by the main opposition Communist Party of =epal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) against the constitutional =mendment bill is under way. Advice 12 EFTA_R1_00156023 EFTA01807584 • Travel to the =erai region, which has a HIGH travel risk rating, can continue with =lexible itineraries and heightened awareness due to the latent risk of =idespread and disruptive protests. Overland travel should be conducted =fter confirming that planned routes are clear and with a robust journey =anagement plan in place. • Avoid all protests due to =he potential for clashes between participants and the police. If =rotesters and/or security force personnel begin to gather, return to =our accommodation or the nearest secure location and remain there until =he situation stabilises. • Reconfirm the status of planned travel routes before =etting out due to the potential for roadblocks. Do not attempt to cross =ny roadblocks, as this may provoke a hostile reaction from protesters. =nstead, turn around and seek an alternative route to your destination =r wait at a safe distance for protesters to disperse. • Monitor our alerts on Nepal for related updates. More detail The CPN-UML is opposing the =onstitutional amendment bill, which creates new provincial boundaries, =laiming that it undermines national unity, compromises national =ecurity and fails to take into account the sentiments of ethnic- Madhesi =nd Tharu communities. The UDMF is against holding local elections =ithout finalising the proposed constitutional changes. The party is =lso calling for investigations into police conduct during unrest on 6 =arch in Rajbiraj (Saptari district, Sagarmatha zone), in which five =DMF supporters were killed, allegedly when the police opened fire on =he crowd. Protests and associated clashes between UDMF =nd CPN-UML supporters are likely to increase ahead of the local polls, =articularly in ethnic-Madhesi-majority areas. The duration and =ntensity of demonstrations vary between districts and are often =ccompanied by shutdown strikes (bandhs); this can result in significant =isruption to road travel and commercial activity, particularly in the =erai. Rallies by Madhesi activists often involve sit-ins and blockades =f regional highways, rendering intercity road travel impractical for =everal hours. Demonstrations often degenerate into =lashes between rival activists and/or protesters and the police. In the =egions affected by the constitution amendment, flashpoint locations =nclude Banke (Sheri zone), Bara (Narayani zone), 0hanusa, Mahottari, =orang, Parsa (all Janakpur zone), Saptari and Siraha (Sagarmatha). =eightened security, including the deployment of additional police =fficers, has been imposed across affected areas. Top <x-msg://4/#Top> Taiwan: Taipei: =nticipate, avoid possible rallies in coming days over controversial =ill Level: =otice Location: Taipei City =/b> - Taiwan; Category: Protest Members in the capital Taipei in the coming days should =nticipate and avoid possible rallies by supporters and opponents of a =raft legislation legalising same-sex marriage. The Judicial =uan will begin a constitutional review of the 13 EFTA_R1_00156024 EFTA01807585 controversial bill on =strong class="">24 March. Previous related demonstrations =ave occurred in front of the Presidential Office chttp://goo.gl/maps/qmovWw5HeaP2> and Legislative =uan buildings. While any gatherings are likely to pass off =eacefully, localised travel disruption should be anticipated. Advice • Liaise with =ocal contacts to remain apprised of any planned or ongoing rallies over =he issue in the coming days and plan journeys bypassing them as a basic =recaution and to minimise inconvenience. • If travel =long protest-affected areas is unavoidable, allow additional time for =ourneys. • Monitor our alerts on Taiwan for further =pdates. More detail Several hundred opponents of =he draft legislation demonstrated on 18 March in front of the =residential Office building at Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei. They called on the =overnment to postpone the scheduled review of the bill. Protests over the issue began on 17 November 2016, when more =han 10,000 opponents of the bill demonstrated outside the Legislative =uan; several demonstrators scaled the facility's gate, resulting in =inor scuffles with police officers. On 10 December 2016, at least =50,000 supporters of the legislation held a peaceful gathering outside =he Presidential Office Building. Top .c x-msg://4/#Top> Europe & CIS Belarus: Urban centres: =nticipate, avoid further protests over controversial tax (Revised) =/b> Level: Notice =br class=""> Location: Belarus; =/b> Category: Protest Members in urban centres should expect and avoid further =rotests to demand that the government annul a tax on those not in =ull-time employment. Related protests were held on 15 March in the =apital Minsk, Hrodna (Hrodna region) and Mogilev (Mogilev region), as =ell as on 12 March in Babruisk (Mogilev), Brest (Brest region), Orsha =Vitebsk region) and Rogachev (Gomel region). Although President =lexander Lukashenko announced on 9 March that the controversial levy =ould be suspended for 2017, activists have threatened to hold further =rotests if the authorities do not take decisive steps to permanently =ancel the so-called 'social parasite' tax. Travellers should monitor =evelopments following the expiration of a related ultimatum to the =overnment on 17 March. 14 EFTA_R1_00156025 EFTA01807586 Advice • Avoid all =emonstrations as a routine precaution. Liaise with local contacts for =nformation on any related protest in your area. • Anticipate a heightened police presence in the vicinity of =emonstrations; follow all directives issued by the authorities. =li class="">Plan journeys avoiding rallies and allow extra time for =ravel on protest days to minimise inconvenience. • Monitor our alerts on Belarus for further updates. More detail There has been a series of =ell-attended rallies across the country in recent weeks denouncing a =015 law that requires people who have not paid tax for at least 183 =ays of unemployment per year to reimburse the government for state =xpenditures. Despite the president suspending the controversial tax for =his year, rallies planned for 15 March went ahead, with protesters =emanding definitive steps by the government against the law. An =pcoming rally in Gomel (Gomel region) had been scheduled for 25 March; it is unclear whether this will =roceed. In addition to the aforementioned locations, =rotests have also been held in Baranavichi, Pinsk (both Brest) and =itebsk (Vitebsk). Further protests are also likely to be well attended, =ausing localised disruption. While a majority of the rallies have =assed off peacefully, there remains a potential for scuffles between =he police and protesters, particularly if a gathering is =nauthorised. Top <x-msg://4/#Top> France: Air France =light attendants to strike until 20 March; reconfirm schedules, =nticipate disruption (Revised) Level: Notice Location: France; =br class=""> Category: Strike, Airline =isruption Event Date: 18 Mar 2017 - 20 Mar =017 Members scheduled to fly with Air France on 20 March should anticipate disruption because of a =trike planned by flight attendants represented by the SNPNC and =nsa-PNC unions. Air France says its long-haul flights will operate =ormally, with only 2% of medium-haul and domestic flights likely =ffected. Some flights may still be cancelled and passenger numbers on =oard other services limited. However, Air France flights operated by =ther airlines, including HOP!, will remain totally unaffected. Staff =re protesting over several issues including a low-cost subsidiary =roject that will offer reduced salaries to newly hired flight =ttendants. 15 EFTA_R1_00156026 EFTA01807587 Advice • We do not hold information on =pecific flights. If planning to travel with Air France on =8-20 March, contact the airline <http://www.airfrance.com/> or your travel agent directly =o reconfirm the status of flights prior to setting out, to minimise =nconvenience. • Residual disruption is possible after =he strike concludes as the airline works to clear the backlog of =assengers and reschedule cancelled flights. Arrive at the airport early =o prevent your seat from being re-allocated to a standby passenger. =/li> * Monitor our alerts on France for further =pdates. Top France: Paris: Situation =ormalises at Orly Airport following shooting incident =Revised) Level: =dvisory Location: Paris - =rance; Category: Shooting, Security =peration, Airport disruption Operations at the capital's Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) have =ormalised following a security incident at the facility on 18 March. =he airport was temporarily closed after a man at around 08.30 (local =ime) attempted to seize a military sentry's weapon in the south =erminal, before being fatally shot by security force personnel. More =han 3,000 people were subsequently evacuated from the terminal =uilding. Advice • Normal travel =ia Paris-Orly Airport can resume. • We do not hold information on specific flights. =ontacting your airline, travel agent or the airport's website =or information on flight schedules. • Monitor our =lerts on France for further details. More detail Prior to the incident at =rly airport, the perpetrator at around 07.00 had shot and injured a =olice officer at a roadside checkpoint in Garges-les-Gonesse =Ile-de-France region). The same man then hijacked a car in =itry-sur-Seine (Ile-de- France), less than six miles (10km) north of =rly airport; this vehicle was later found in the facility's car park. =here were no other casualties in the airport incident. 16 EFTA_R1_00156027 EFTA01807588 The assailant has been identified as 39-year-old French =ational Ziyed Ben Belgacem. The authorities have confirmed that he was =nown to the security services and had a lengthy criminal record. While =is motivations remain unclear, he reportedly shouted that he wished to =E244die for Allah'. He had been monitored by the Directorate =eneral of Internal Security (DGSI) on suspicion of jihadist =adicalisation. An investigation into the incident has been opened by =he anti-terrorism prosecutor's office and three of Ben Belgacem's =elatives have been detained. Top <x-msg://4/#Top> Kyrgyzstan: Urban =entres: Expect, avoid further rallies in support of arrested opposition =eader (Revised) Level: Notice Location: Kyrgyzstan; =/b> Category: Political unrest, =rotest Opposition groups have stated that further rallies in support =f arrested opposition leader Omurbek Tekebayev will be held regularly =ntil he is released. Tekebayev, leader of the opposition Ata-Meken =arty, was arrested on 26 February on fraud and corruption charges. On 9 =arch, at least 100 protesters rallied outside a courthouse at Ala-Too =quare in the capital Bishkek during Tekebayev's hearing, calling for =is release. Concurrently, Tekebayev's supporters marched along the =ishkek-Osh highway in Bazar-Korgon (Jalal Abad region). Members in or =ravelling to Kyrgyzstan in the coming weeks should avoid all associated =atherings as a precaution, to avoid incidental risks in the event of =ny unrest. Advice • Avoid all =ssociated protests as a precaution, to avoid incidental risks. Liaise =ith local contacts to remain apprised of any scheduled or ongoing =atherings and plan routes bypassing them as a precaution. • In the event of unrest, where possible to do so safely, =eturn to your accommodation or office immediately and remain there =ntil the situation stabilises. • Anticipate a =eightened security presence in the vicinity of demonstrations; follow =11 directives issued by the authorities. • Monitor =ur alerts on Kyrgyzstan for related updates. More detail A related Freedom of Speech =emonstration on 18 March, which included participants from Tekebayvev's =ta-Meken Party, was interrupted by the police who stated that they had = court order to halt the march; several activists were detained. The State Committee on National Security (GKNB) announced on =7 February that Tekebayev would be held in custody until 25 April. Protests have since taken =lace in front of respective GKNB buildings at Bishkek's Ala-Too Square, =n Alay- 17 EFTA_R1_00156028 EFTA01807589 Kuu (Osh region) and Bazar-Korgon (Jalal Abad region). =pposition leaders have called for protests to continue twice- thrice a =eek, between 14.00 and 18.00 (local time). Demonstrators in =azar-Korgon have threatened to block the M41 motorway should Tekebayev =ail to be released. At least nine people were detained overnight on =6-27 February for blocking the main road to Manas International Airport =FRU), which serves Bishkek. The allegations against =ekebayev relate to a 2010 investment deal made while serving as deputy =rime minister during an interim government. His arrest follows a series =f similar criminal charges made against other Ata-Meken Party =fficials. Lawyers representing Tekebayev have stated they will be =ubmitting an appeal against his detention to the Supreme Court in the =oming days. Assessment The rallies are increasing =he likelihood of political unrest in a country which violently ousted =he previous government in 2010. Presidential elections, in which =urrent President Almazbek Atambayev is barred from running, will take =lace on 19 November. Top <x-msg://4/#Top> Portugal: Lisbon: Avoid =lanned protest by nationalist party on 21March Level: Notice Location: Lisbon = Portugal; Category: Protest Members in the capital Lisbon on 21 =arch should avoid a protest by the nationalist National =enovator Party (PNR) between 18.00 and =0.00 (local time). The demonstration, which is due to take =lace outside Universidade Nova de Lisboa's Faculty of Human and Social Sciences on Avenida de Berna, =as organised to denounce the cancellation of a conference at the =niversity on the grounds that it was associated with racism and =enophobia. Advice • Plan routes =ypassing the protest venue during the protest on 21 March. • Avoid the event due to the potential for localised scuffles =nvolving participants, counter-demonstrators and the police. • Monitor local media and our alerts on Portugal for further =pdates. 18 EFTA_R1_00156029 EFTA01807590 Top Mid =ast & N Africa Egypt: Cairo: Fatal security =orce raid in Nasr City highlights need for precautions level: Notice Location: Cairo - =gypt; Category: Terrorism, Security =peration Members are reminded to remain vigilant to their surroundings =ollowing a raid by security forces in the Nasr City area of the capital =airo on 16 March that resulted in the arrest of eight suspected members =f the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood movement. According to the Interior =inistry, the suspects were allegedly involved in the planning and =xecution of attacks against government institutions in Cairo. One =ivilian bystander was killed when two of the arrested suspects opened =ire while attempting to escape from the terrace of the agency's =eadquarters. This incident highlights the incidental risk to bystanders =uring security force operations. Advice • Normal travel to =he MEDIUM risk areas of Egypt can continue with precautions, though =embers should remain vigilant and minimise time spent in the vicinity =f potential militant targets including security force installations and =overnment facilitates. • Visit our Egypt pages for =urther information and advice regarding travel to the country. More detail Several similar security =orce operations have taken place in the country in the last month. On 7 =arch, the security forces killed an