State Department: Greece - Public Announcement, April 29, 1999
Greece - Public Announcement
April 29, 1999
On April 27, 1999, a terrorist group placed a bomb at the
Intercontinental Hotel in Athens, killing one person and injuring one
other. Neither of the victims was a U.S. citizen. On April 25, a bomb
placed at the Fulbright Foundation office in Thessaloniki was safely
defused by local police. On April 1, a contract security guard at the
U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki thwarted an attempt to place a gas
cannister bomb in front of that facility. The perpetrator was arrested and
released on bail. Security at all U.S. Government facilities in Greece
has been tightened.
Following the bombing of the Intercontinental Hotel, Greek Prime
Minister Simitis condemned the attack, adding that the government would do
its duty, and called on the Greek people to resist and condemn such
violence.
Since the beginning of the NATO air strikes in Serbia, there have been
almost daily demonstrations at the U.S. Embassy in Athens and the Consulate
General in Thessaloniki. Some of these demonstrations have been violent.
A number of threats have been issued against U.S. officials in Greece.
On April 2, the State Department incorporated information about the
demonstrations and threats into the Consular Information Sheet for
Greece.
The Embassy is not aware of any specific threats against U.S. tourists
or residents in Greece at this time, but several active terrorist groups
have at times targeted U.S. Government and U.S. commercial interests. The
April 27 incident may represent an increased potential for violence. The
Department of State urges American citizens traveling or residing in Greece
to exercise appropriate security precautions and avoid demonstrations.
This is not a warning to defer travel to Greece. Persons with business
to conduct at the Embassy or the Consulate General are advised to check in
advance to avoid any scheduled demonstration. Up-to-date recorded
information is available from the U.S. Embassy in Athens at
30-1-720-2466.
For further information on travel to Greece consult the latest
Department of State Consular Information
Sheet for Greece dated April 2, 1999.
This Public Announcement expires June 23, 1999.
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