Danish Businessman Kidnapped in Iraq - Reuters

[VolcanoJen]

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=4845936§ion=news

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - A Danish businessman has been kidnapped in southern Iraq, Danish Broadcasting News reported on Friday.
It said on its Web Site that the man in his 30s was kidnapped in the town of Al Tadji near Basra during a highway robbery.

The broadcaster said it had only sparse information and the kidnapping was not officially confirmed. The Danish Foreign Ministry was not immediately available for comment.

[whistle]

1. Hummm, perhaps he did not get the latest U.S. State Department Warning

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520


Consular Information Sheet


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This information is current as of today, Fri Apr 16 05:54:46 2004.
Iraq
Americans planning travel to Iraq should read the Travel Warning for Iraq, the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement and the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov.

April 6, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Iraq is currently administered by the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA). Three decades of war and government mismanagement have stunted Iraq's economy, leading to increased crime and poverty. Infrastructure is antiquated. Conditions in Iraq are extremely dangerous. The workweek in Iraq is Saturday through Thursday. Information about the CPA can be found at http://www.cpa-iraq.org.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: There is a U.S. consular officer who provides limited emergency services to U.S. citizens only. Because police and civil structures are in the process of being rebuilt, U.S. citizens may have little recourse to these entities in emergency situations, and may have to seek assistance from coalition military police. At the present time, there is an 11:00 pm to 4:30 am curfew in Baghdad.

The banking and financial infrastructure has been disrupted and is in the process of rebuilding. Hotels usually require payment in foreign currency. No ATM machines exist. Restrictions on the use of the U.S. passport have been lifted.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: The Iraqi Interests Section of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain is opened only for limited consular services and cannot issue travel documents at this time. The Interests Section is located at 1801 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Phone number at the chancery is 202-483-7500; fax is 202-462-5066.

A person seeking entry to Iraq must appear before an authorized officer of the CPA at a port of entry, border control station, or at any place designated by the Senior Advisor of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Interim Minister of the Interior, for examination to determine whether the person may be granted entry to Iraq. Officers issue permits valid for up to 90 days, which may be renewed at CPA offices in Iraq. Permits will eventually be issued by Iraqi missions abroad.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Iraqi laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Iraqi citizens. For additional information, see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.

TERRORISM: The risk of terrorism directed against U.S. citizens and interests in Iraq remains extremely high.

AREAS OF INSTABILITY/SAFETY AND SECURITY: Remnants of the former Baath regime, transnational terrorists, and criminal elements remain active throughout Iraq. Coalition-led military operations continue, and there continue to be attacks against Coalition forces throughout the country. While a number of attacks have been concentrated in Baghdad, Fallujah, Ramadi, Tikrit, Bayji, Baqubah, Mosul and Kirkuk, the security environment across Iraq is dangerous, volatile and unpredictable. Attacks on Coalition forces as well as civilian targets, including hotels, the UN headquarters, the International Committee of the red cross, police stations, checkpoints entering Coalition Provisional Authority areas, individuals doing humanitarian work and several foreign missions, can occur at any time, especially during nighttime hours. There has been an increase in the use of Improvised Explosive Devices and/or mines on roads, particularly in plastic bags, soda cans, and animal carcasses. Grenades and explosives have been thrown into vehicles from overpasses, particularly in crowded areas. Rockets and mortars have been fired at hotels, and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices have been used against targets throughout the country.

Large demonstrations have occurred in Baghdad and other areas of the country, some of which have turned violent. Security conditions are improving, but demonstrations and civil strife are likely to continue into the near future. Detailed security information is available at http://www.centcom.mil.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the State Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Iraq, and Public Announcements can be found.

Up to date information on security conditions can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

CRIME INFORMATION: The CPA is working with Iraqi police to establish law enforcement and civil structures throughout the country. U.S. and British military personnel are providing police protection as well as the security situation permits. Petty theft is common in Iraq, including thefts of money, jewelry, or valuable items left in hotel rooms and pickpocketing in busy places such as markets. Carjackings by armed thieves are very common, even during daylight hours, and particularly on the highways from Jordan and Kuwait to Baghdad.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police or coalition military personnel and to the U.S. consular officer in Baghdad. Where needed, the U.S. consular officer may be able to assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets, A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Basic modern medical care and medicines are not widely available in Iraq. The recent conflict in Iraq has left some medical facilities non-operational and medical stocks and supplies severely depleted. The facilities in operation do not meet U.S. standards, and the majority lack medicines, equipment and supplies.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Because the Baghdad International Airport is closed for security reasons, it is unlikely that a private medical evacuation can be arranged. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations, perhaps from outside Iraq.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, U.S. citizens should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers from the United States at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747), fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Iraq is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Safety of public transportation: Poor
Urban road conditions/maintenance: Good
Rural road conditions/maintenance: Poor
Availability of roadside assistance: Poor

Travel at night is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. There have been attacks on civilian vehicles as well as military convoys on Highways 1, 5, 10 and 15, even during daylight. Travelers are strongly urged to travel in convoys with at least 4 vehicles in daylight hours only.

Buses run irregularly and frequently change routes. Poorly maintained city transit vehicles are often involved in accidents. Long distance buses are available, but are often in poor condition and drive at unsafe speeds. Jaywalking is common. Drivers usually do not yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and ignore traffic lights (if available), traffic rules and regulations. Roads are congested. Driving at night is extremely dangerous. Some cars do not use lights at night and urban street lights may not be functioning. Some motorists drive at excessive speeds, tailgate and force other drivers to yield the right of way. For additional general information about road safety, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. See also road safety information on Iraq at http://www.arab.net/iraq/iraq_contents.htm.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: There are no commercial flights to and from Iraq. For further information, travelers may contact the U.S. Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Customs and CPA officers have the broad authority to search persons or vehicles at Iraq ports of entry. Officers may confiscate any goods that may pose a threat to the peace, security, health, environment, or good order of Iraq or any antiquities or cultural items suspected of being illegally exported. Goods that are not declared may be confiscated by an officer. Persons may also be ordered to return such goods, at their expense, to the jurisdiction from which they came.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the U.S. and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the U.S. for similar offenses. Persons violating Iraqi laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS: Telecommunications are very poor. There is very limited international phone service in Iraq at this time. Local calls are often limited to a neighborhood network. There are no public telephones in the cities; however, calls may be made from hotels, restaurants or shops. Limited cellular telephone service is available in Baghdad. Public Internet service is not available.

FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S ISSUES: In accordance with Iraqi law, any child whose father is an Iraqi citizen is also considered an Iraqi citizen. Iraqi women can request citizenship for their children if the father is not an Iraqi citizen. For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or by calling toll-free at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

U.S. CONSULAR OFFICER: U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Iraq are encouraged to make their presence in Iraq known to the U.S. consular officer, whose office is located in the Iraq Forum (formerly known as the Iraq Conference Hall) across from the al-Rashid Hotel in Baghdad. The e-mail address is [e-mail]. Tel: [phone], fax [phone] (these are Virginia numbers that ring in Baghdad).

* * *

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Iraq dated August 26, 2003, to update the sections on Entry Requirements, Terrorism, Areas of Instability/Safety and Security, Crime Information, Medical Insurance, Other Health Information, Aviation Safety Oversight, Family and Children’s Issues, and the U.S. Consular Officer.

[sniffa]

2. denmark

the danes are gonna be under great pressure to remove their 1 submarine from iraqi waters.