Argentina: On 30 June 2009 authorities in the city of Buenos Aires, as well as the surrounding Buenos Aires province, declared a state of emergency in response to the growing outbreak of the A/H1N1 virus, commonly known as "swine flu." Both governments announced that classes will be suspended until 3 August. Authorities, however, did not close other facilities that invite close contact, such as bars, theaters, restaurants or shopping malls. The swine flu epidemic has killed at least 29 people in Buenos Aires province.

Colombia: In the early morning hours of 1 July 2009 a fragmentation grenade exploded at a gas station in southern Bogota, killing one individual and injuring four others. Authorities have not yet determined who perpetrated the act, but have not ruled out the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Colombia's largest rebel group, which has a strong extortion network in the capital. Police officials stated that the incident may also have been an act of vengeance perpetrated by a customer who received a polluted gas supply that damaged his vehicle. They are offering a reward of approximately US$4,700 for information leading to an arrest.

Honduras: On 30 June 2009 recently deposed President Manuel Zelaya withdrew his call for a constitutional provision allowing him to seek a second term, the issue that precipitated the political crisis that led to his ouster. He reiterated, however, his intention to travel to Honduras on 2 July to complete his four-year term as president, accompanied by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, Argentinean President Cristina Kirchner de Fernandez, the president of the General Assembly of the United Nations and the president of the Organization of American States (OAS). On 30 June the OAS gave Honduras a 72-hour deadline to reinstate Zelaya; if this demand is refused, the organization will consider expelling Honduras from its ranks. In response, Interim Honduran President Roberto Micheletti stated that only a foreign invasion could force him to step down from the presidency and warned that Zelaya will face arrest if he returns to Honduras. On 30 June Honduras' attorney general issued an "order of international capture" against Zelaya for 18 alleged crimes, including having links to drug cartels and organized crime groups, as well as violating the constitution. The attorney general ordered the police to arrest Zelaya if he attempts to enter the country.

In Honduras tensions remain high. On 30 June thousands of anti-Zelaya protesters marched through the streets of Tegucigalpa to protest his possible return and to demonstrate support for the Micheletti administration. Zelaya supporters, on the other hand, have organized repeated protests near the presidential palace since the 28 June coup, one of which led to violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces on 29 June. On 1 July pro-Zelaya groups plan to protest Zelaya's ouster in central Tegucigalpa. In view of the rising tensions, Micheletti recently extended the 2100-0600 curfew for an additional 72 hours.

Also on 1 July security personnel discovered two explosive devices in the capital, one planted outside the Supreme Court of Justice and the other located outside the studios of a radio broadcast station. Approximately 100 soldiers cordoned off the areas and disposed of the devices through controlled detonations. Authorities have not arrested anyone in connection to the incidents.

Paraguay: On 1 July 2009 members of the Federation of Paraguayan Educators (FEP) will gather at the Plaza Uruguaya in central Asuncion before marching through the streets of the capital. They will end their march in front of the seat of the Ministry of Education and Culture. The protesters are demanding salary increases and have called for a strike at numerous public schools. Ministry officials are investigating whether the strike is legal.

Peru: On 30 June 2009 authorities arrested more than 100 people in Lima during a national transport strike organized by unions that reject new transport regulations that went into effect on 1 July. Taxi and bus drivers participated in the strike, which left thousands of commuters stranded and halted commercial activities. Protesters organized a march through central Lima, which led to violent clashes with anti-riot police officers, who used tear gas to disperse the crowd. In the Villa El Salvador neighborhood of Lima, demonstrators threw rocks at buses and taxis, causing police officers to fire their guns in the air as a warning. Demonstrators also organized several roadblocks throughout the capital, blocking the Central Highway, which connects Lima to the interior. Authorities deployed approximately 4,500 police officers to stabilize the city and guarantee the free flow of traffic. Union leaders claim that approximately 60,000 transportation providers will continue with the strike, and that a new strike will be held from 7-9 July until the group's demands are met.

United States: The family of Michael Jackson announced that it will hold a public viewing of the deceased singer's body at the Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos, California, on 3 July 2009, which is expected to result in transportation disruptions, as addressed below. Details about the planned viewing have not been announced, but reports indicate that the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department is coordinating with the California Highway Patrol to handle security and logistical issues. The Sheriff's Department will secure the perimeter of the property, while the California Highway Patrol will be responsible for Highway 101, the sole major access road to the ranch from both the north and the south. Significant traffic disruptions are expected, as thousands of people are expected to attend the viewing. A 30-car motorcade will transport Jackson's body to the Neverland Ranch from the Los Angeles area beginning at 1000 local time on 2 July. The Neverland Ranch is located approximately 30 mi/50 km northwest of Santa Barbara and 135 mi/217 km northwest of Los Angeles. More details about the event are likely to emerge in the course of the day. A private memorial service will be held at the ranch on 5 July. Gary, Indiana, the Jackson family's hometown, will hold a public memorial service at the U.S. Steel Works ballpark on 10 July.

Uruguay: On 1 July 2009 the federal meteorological agency issued a national red alert due to a strong storm system. The worst of the storms have hit Punta del Este, an important resort city located on Uruguay's Atlantic coast, where strong winds have caused power losses as well as significant material damage to homes and maritime vessels. The departments of Maldonado, where Punta del Este is situated, and Rocha have been hit the hardest by the inclement weather; however, the storms have also affected Montevideo, Colonia, San Jose, Florida and Lavalleja, bringing wind gusts of between 50 mph/43 kt and 75 mph/65 kt.

China: Nearly 80,000 protesters gathered in Hong Kong on 1 July 2009, to mark the 12th anniversary of the semi-autonomous region being returned to China. The group, largely made up of pro-democracy protesters, crowded Victoria Park before marching through the city streets. Separate protests by migrant workers protesting for an increase in minimum wage and by investors who have recently lost money due to bank losses were reported.

India: On 1 July 2009 the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the Intelligence Bureau has intercepted a terrorist threat to India's west coast. The ministry did not provide any specific details about the threat and stressed that there are no indications that an attack is imminent. The ministry stated that it has passed along information about the threat to state governments in Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra, where Mumbai is located. Gujarat officials have placed all seaports in the state on high alert.

North Korea: On 1 July 2009 U.S. officials reported that the North Korean ship that U.S. naval forces have been tracking since 17 June has changed course. The ship is suspected to have a cargo of weapons, and may have been headed for Myanmar. South Korean media outlets stated that the ship is returning to North Korea, although those reports could not be independently verified.

Libya: Libya will host the 13th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union from 1-3 July 2009 in the city of Sirte, located approximately 280 mi/450 km east of Tripoli, the capital. Various auxiliary AU-related meetings will also be held in the city at this time. The AU summit is expected to cover various continental issues, including several crisis situations and ongoing social and economic concerns endemic to the region. Member-states, international organizations and representatives from numerous other nations will attend the summit.

ASI Comment: Security measures will be considerably heightened in Sirte during the summit. Security forces are currently deployed throughout the city, and are concentrated around prominent government sites, the Summit Complex and Sirte International Airport, where most dignitaries are expected to arrive. Traffic disruptions, including roadblocks and the sealing of some sections of the city can be expected throughout the summit time period. Increased security measures can be expected in other parts of the country as well, including Tripoli, which many dignitaries and heads of state are expected to visit prior to the summit.

Comoros / France: The search for survivors of the 30 June Yemenia Airways crash near the Comoros archipelago continued on 1 July 2009. Of the 153 people aboard the Airbus A310-300 aircraft, a 14-year-old girl is the only known survivor. The aircraft crashed into the Indian Ocean as it made a second attempt at landing. The cause of the crash is not yet known; authorities have located one of the aircraft's "black boxes," and have begun the process of recovering the device. The aircraft was reportedly banned from France for unspecified safety irregularities.

In response to the crash, several Comoran expatriates in France protested on 1 July at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport (LFPG/CDG), accusing Yemenia Airways of operating unsafe aircraft. The protesters attempted to prevent a Yemenia Airways flight from departing by blocking passengers from checking in at the gate. The flight -- which was scheduled to travel from Paris to Marseille and then Sanaa -- eventually departed from another terminal.

Nigeria: According to reports on 1 July 2009, several consecutive days of heavy rains and flooding have caused severe traffic disruptions throughout Lagos. The Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, which connects Murtala Muhammed International Airport (DNMM/LOS) with the Apapa Quays and Tin Can Island seaports, has been the worst affected. Reports indicate that only trailers and heavy trucks with large tires are able to make it through the flooding, although even these vehicles are taking six hours to travel less than .6 mi/1 km. The heavy rains have also washed away parts of many roads throughout the city, causing heavy traffic jams, especially along the Airport Road and in the Satellite Town, Abule-Odu, Ejigbo, Ikotun-Egbe and Ogo suburbs. Heavy rainfall is forecast to continue for the next several days.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Armenia: On 1 July 2009 the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message alerts American citizens that political opposition supporters intend to stage a protest rally at the Matenadaran ancient manuscript museum followed by an unauthorized march in downtown Yerevan on Thursday, July 2 starting around 7:30 pm. The march is expected to start near the Matenadaran after the rally, at approximately 9:30 pm, proceeding through Republic Square and ending on Northern Avenue, but could spread to other areas downtown.

"Demonstrations take place in Armenia from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence without warning. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid these areas of demonstrations and marches if possible, and to exercise caution when in the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. ..."

SIGNIFICANT DATES

1 July

Botswana: Sir Seretse Khama Day (Celebrates the life of Botswana's last prime minister during the colonial era and the independent country's first president; public holiday.)
British Virgin Islands: Territory Day (Public holiday)
Burundi: Independence Day (Anniversary of sovereignty in 1962; public holiday)
Canada: Canada Day (Commemorates the 1867 British North America Act, which created the federal Canadian government. If it falls on a Saturday, the following Monday is a holiday.)
China: Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party and the return of Hong Kong to Chinese Rule (Celebrations may affect city and transportation operations.)
Eritrea: Many Eritrean nationals living overseas return for vacation trips during July and August, placing a higher demand on hotel facilities.
Ghana: Republic Day (Anniversary of becoming a republic of British Commonwealth in 1960; public holiday)
Netherlands Antilles: Emancipation Day
Rwanda: Independence Day (Independence from Belgium in 1962; public holiday.)
Somalia: Anniversary of independence for former Italian Somaliland and reunification of British- and Italian-colonized Somalia (south).
Suriname: "Keti Koti" or Emancipation Day (Public holiday)
Taiwan: Bank Holiday
Thailand: Midyear Day (Banking holiday)
Europe: EU presidency rotates

2 July

Netherlands Antilles/Curacao: Flag Day (Official ceremonies and cultural events take place)

3 July

Belarus: Independence Day (Public holiday)
Caribbean Region: CARICOM Day (Public holiday in member states of the Caribbean Community and Common Market)
Puerto Rico: Independence Day observed (Government offices, banks and most businesses close; retail stores open).
United States: Independence Day observed (Government offices, banks and most businesses close; retail stores open).
Virgin Islands: Danish West Indies Emancipation Day (Public holiday)

4 July

Virgin Islands: Danish West Indies Emancipation Day (Public holiday)
Rwanda: Liberation Day (Public holiday)
United States: Independence Day (Public holiday; government offices and businesses closed.)

5 July

Algeria: Independence Day (From France in 1962. Public holiday. Most offices and businesses close. Outdoor celebrations organized.)
Armenia: Constitution Day (Public holiday)
Bulgaria: General and parliamentary elections
Cape Verde: Independence Day (Independence from Portugal in 1975; public holiday)
Cayman Islands: Constitution Day (Public holiday)
Czech Republic and Slovakia: Den slovanskych verozvestu Cyrila a Metodeje - St. Cyril and St. Methodius (Commemorates the arrival of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the Czech Region in the 9th century. Public holiday; offices and businesses close.)
Lithuania: Unions and other groups calling for general strike
Rwanda: Peace and Unity Day (Anniversary of the 1973 coup)
Sri Lanka: Tamil Tiger rebels mark anniversary of their first suicide bombing (Religious services and commemorative gatherings held in northern and eastern regions.)
United Kingdom (Isle of Man): Tynwald Day (Public ceremonies on the Isle of Man)
Venezuela: Independence Day (Public holiday)

6 July

Lithuania: Unions and other groups calling for general strike
Comoros: Independence Day (Public holiday)
Czech Republic: Mistr Jan Hus - Jan Hus Day (Commemorates religious reformer Jan Hus. Public holiday; offices and banks close.)
Kazakhstan: Day of the Capital (non-working state holiday)
Lithuania: Statehood Day (Commemorates coronation of King Minduagas in 1253. Government offices, businesses and most shops close to celebrate.)
Malawi: Independence Day (Public holiday)
Myanmar: Full Moon of Waso (Beginning of Buddhist Lent)
Russia: U.S. President Barack Obama visiting Russia for talks with President Dmitry Medvedev (increased security and possible disruptions expected)
Spain: San Fermín Festival in Pamplona (daily Bull Run held; increased risk of petty crime due to influx of visitors to the city)

7 July

Russia: U.S. President Barack Obama visiting Russia for talks with President Dmitry Medvedev (increased security and possible disruptions expected)
Spain: San Fermín Festival in Pamplona (daily Bull Run held; increased risk of petty crime due to influx of visitors to the city)
Kenya: Saba Saba Day commemoration (Protests likely)
Laos: Khao Pansa (Public holiday)
Solomon Islands: Independence Day (Public holiday)
Tanzania: Saba Saba Day (Peasants' Day; public holiday)
Thailand: Buddhist Lent Day (Public Holiday)
Thailand: Asanha Bucha Day (Public holiday)
United Kingdom: Anniversary of terrorist attacks on London's mass transit system.
Serbia: Serbian National Day (Commemorates beginning of anti-fascist uprising in 1941. Outdoor rallies possible in major cities.)
Zambia: Heroes’ Day (Memorial day for those who died in independence movement; public holiday.)

8 July

Russia: U.S. President Barack Obama visiting Russia for talks with President Dmitry Medvedev (increased security and possible disruptions expected)
Spain: San Fermín Festival in Pamplona (daily Bull Run held; increased risk of petty crime due to influx of visitors to the city)
Indonesia: Presidential election
Zambia: Unity Day (Public holiday)

9 July

Spain: San Fermín Festival in Pamplona (daily Bull Run held; increased risk of petty crime due to influx of visitors to the city)
Argentina: Independence Day (Public holiday)
Brazil: Constitutionalist Revolution (Public Holiday in the state of Sao Paulo only)
Iran: 10th anniversary of July 1999 student protests (security will likely be increased in Iran, particularly Tehran; potential for unrest in light of recent political developments.)
Palau: Constitution Day.

10 July

Spain: San Fermín Festival in Pamplona (daily Bull Run held; increased risk of petty crime due to influx of visitors to the city)
Bahamas: Independence Day (public holiday)
Mauritania: Armed Forces Day (Military parades may be held. Some government and business offices may close.)

11 July

Spain: San Fermín Festival in Pamplona (daily Bull Run held; increased risk of petty crime due to influx of visitors to the city)
Belgium: Flemish community holiday in Belgium (Will affect most public services in the Flemish Region, an autonomous region extending from Brussels northward)
Bosnia: Anniversary of 1995 Massacre at Srebrenica
Mongolia: Naadam (largest festival in Mongolia; three day game series including wrestling, horse racing and archery held in the capital)

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