2008 WARDEN MESSAGES

Bul. Ilinden bb
1000, Skopje, Macedonia
Tel: 389 2 3116 180
Fax: 389 2 3213 767
Email: consularskopje@state.gov 

June 3, 2008

Blace border crossing point on the Macedonia-Kosovo border has been closed to truck traffic since June 1, 2008.

We wish to notify U.S. citizens that the Blace border crossing point on the Macedonia-Kosovo border has been closed to truck traffic since June 1.  Three cargo trucks are leaking a potentially toxic substance in the area between the border check points.  The exact content of the substance is unknown and it is unclear if there are health risks associated with it.  Officials are examining the situation, and further testing of the substance will take place on the morning of June 4.  There have been some protests on the Kosovo side of the border regarding the trucks, and there may be some disruption to traffic.  We recommend that American citizens monitor local news sources and evaluate the available information before using the Blace border crossing. 

In the event further information is obtained regarding this or any other security or safety situation, U.S. Embassy Skopje will provide updates via this same channel and on the Embassy’s website, http://skopje.usembassy.gov.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website as well as the U.S. Department of State's travel website, www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages American citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Citizens living and residing in Macedonia are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, at https://travelregistration.state.gov. American citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via e-mail or by calling +389 (02) 311 6180. This complete message is available on the Embassy’s website at http://skopje.usembassy.gov.  In case of an emergency outside normal business hours, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer by calling +389 02-311-6180.