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Workers affiliated to the General Labor Confederation (GLC) and several public transport unions, including public taxi drivers, will stage a nationwide general strike on 24 May in protest at the government's failure to meet their demand for a reduction in the price of fuel. Employees of Middle East Airlines will also participate in the work stoppage by halting operations from 11.00 to 13.00 (local time).

Fuel station operators in the province of Jendouba have called for a three-day strike from 21- 23 May to protest against perceived government apathy in countering the illegal sale of petrol smuggled into the country. Fuel stations across the province are likely to remain close during the industrial action, which may reduce the availability of public transport, resulting in an increased demand for taxis. Personnel should pre- book taxis to avoid inconvenience.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit is scheduled to take place on 20-21 May at McCormick Place in Chicago (Illinois state). Anticipate disruption due to heightened security measures for the event which is expected to be attended by thousands of dignitaries and journalists. Coupled with planned demonstrations and associated road closures and traffic restrictions near the venue, this will result in significant localised disruption for the duration of the summit.

By lucyandtim | views [23] | Sat, 19 May 2012
As we landed at Beijing airport and passed through the 'foreigners' passport control station, we had a feeling that this tag might stay with us for a few weeks and come to haunt us. So far, we haven't been disappointed! On arrival in Beijing we were greeted by Jonathan and swiftly taken to our hostel ... Read more >
 

The umbrella CMKOS trade union will stage nationwide anti-austerity protests on 22 May, including a rally at 12.00 (local time) from Winston Churchill Square to the cabinet office in the Malá Strana government district in the capital Prague to protest against the government's austerity programme. A vote will be held to decide whether to hold a general strike scheduled for the next day. Where possible, plan routes circumventing protest venues to minimise inconvenience.

Several opposition groups on 19 May are planning to stage an unauthorised anti-government rally at Place de la Démocratie in the Ambohijatovo area of the capital Antananarivo, to demand press freedoms and restoration of democracy. Avoid all demonstrations due to the credible risk of clashes between protesters and the security forces.

Latest travel advice for those travelling to Italy. Includes information on entry requirements, security, local laws and health.

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Travel Summary (due to an explosion in Brindisi). The overall level of the advice has not changed; there are no travel restrictions in place in this travel advice for Italy.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Local sources indicate that on 19 May hundreds of people have gathered in the southern port city of Basra (Basra province) to protest against alleged Turkish interference in Iraqi affairs. Protesters are to march from the Manawi Basha Hotel to the Turkish consulate in al-Baradhiyah. Unruly behaviour by participants could prompt the security forces to intervene with forceful measures, including tear gas and batons, to disperse crowds. Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution.

By henrika_traveller | views [13] | Sat, 19 May 2012
Over a week has passed in Tauranga. I started to work on the kiwi farm last Saturday and I can agree kiwifruit picking is hard work. However, we had quite a few days off after the first day in as it started to rain and it kept raining from Sunday till Thursday. it was a bit boring to sit and wait here ... Read more >
 

Several people on 18 May were injured after the police used tear gas and batons to disperse a rally by youths affiliated to the Coordination for the Democratic Opposition (COD) coalition in the capital Nouakchott. Further anti-government rallies are likely in the coming days. The police tend to cordon off potential flashpoints and quickly disperse any gatherings. Any resultant clashes can pose incidental risks to passers-by; police cordons can disrupt overland travel in the capital.

By cjmoore | views [1] | Sat, 19 May 2012
Walking from Cusco's (Peru) Plaza de Armas, the path is direct to the Almudena Cemetery, a 30 to 45 minute stroll dependent on your speed and the bodies adjustment to Cusco's altitude. Though the route is simple, it can be confusing because the street you should follow suffers from an identity crisis:... Read more >
 

The security forces on late 16 May killed a suspected Russian terrorist in a raid conducted by the Ministry of National Security (MNS) in the Nizami district of the capital Baku. The raid was conducted as part of the country's national counter-terrorism operations. The incident underscores the persistent risk of terrorism; foreigners face a low but credible risk from terrorist activities.

A tourist of Japanese nationality late on 16 May was stabbed in Davao City (Mindanao Island). The victim was attacked while walking late at night in the Matina area. While the motive behind the attack is unclear and investigations are underway, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks posed by violent crime in the country. Exercise heightened caution and stringent security measures at all times and in all areas.

By dianaandmalcolm | views [0] | Sat, 19 May 2012
More Scenery!

By dianaandmalcolm | views [0] | Sat, 19 May 2012
Viva Las Vegas

By dianaandmalcolm | views [0] | Sat, 19 May 2012
- 282 feet Below Sea Level

At least six people were injured on 16 May in a grenade explosion at a restaurant in the Quiapo district of the capital Manila. Preliminary investigations indicate that the attack was motivated by a personal dispute concerning one of the customers, though the the involvement of a criminal gang is also a possibility. Such incidents are not uncommon in Metro Manila, and are typically attributed to criminal elements.

By mawekekk | views [16] | Sat, 19 May 2012
Thus, you've let the wife's birthday slide your mind. It is really an incredible feat considering she's been dropping not-so-subtle hints within the last 14 days. Once you've hit yourself, you begin to plot a strategy. A surprise supper with the girl favorite restaurant will definitely demonstrate ... Read more >
 

The Confech students' union plans to stage a demonstration on 21 May in Valparaíso (Region V) to demand education reforms; participants intend to gather at 10.00 (local time) at Plaza Victoria. The event is likely to be well attended and held amid tight security. The congregation of large crowds can result in disruption and traffic delays. Precedents indicate that confrontations between participants and the police cannot be ruled out.

The authorities in Frankfurt (Hesse state) are expecting thousands of protesters affiliated to the ‘Blockupy' anti-capitalist movement on 19 May to rally in the city's central financial district (Bahnhofviertel). Localised travel disruption should be anticipated in the vicinity of the European Central Bank on Kaiserstrasse. Allow additional time for travel through central Frankfurt on 19 May to mitigate any inconvenience caused by the presence of large crowds and associated security measures.