State Department: Croatia - Public Announcement, October 7, 1998

Croatia - Public Announcement
October 7, 1998

The American Embassy in Zagreb issued the following announcement to the American Community in Croatia on October 7, 1998:

"The Republic of Croatia borders both Serbia-Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Department of State currently warns U.S. citizens about travel to both Serbia-Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and urges U.S. citizens to consider departing both Serbia-Montenegro and the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Due to the failure of Belgrade authorities to comply with United Nations Security Council demands and the ongoing violence perpetrated by security forces against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have taken steps that could lead to military intervention. This action could be decided upon in the near future.

There currently exists no specific threat against U.S. citizens or U.S. interests in the Republic of Croatia. However, the reactions of the Belgrade authorities and individuals in Serbia-Montenegro or in the Republika Srpska to potential NATO military actions are not certain. Therefore, Embassy Zagreb personnel are exercising caution in pursuing official travel to regions of Croatia which border directly on Serbia - in particular, to Eastern Slavonia - or on the northern border of the Republika Srpska. U.S. citizens in Croatia are urged to keep abreast of developments and to practice prudent personal security."

For further information, consult the Department of States Travel Warnings for Serbia-Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the Consular Information Sheet for Croatia.

This Public Announcement expires December 6, 1998.