Following is a list of Current Issues and Travel Report changes released in the last 24 hours. Please visit our Web site for details and more updates. If you do not have Internet access, please call 1 800 267- 6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or (613) 944-6788. Current Issues: An entry concerning Italy (security) was added. On Friday, October 29, 2004, the heads of state and foreign ministers of 29 European countries will meet in Rome to celebrate the signing of the Treaty and Final Act establishing a Constitution for Europe. The ceremony will be held in the Orazi and Curiazi Hall at the Campidoglio (Capitol Hill of Rome). For security reasons, the Prefect of Rome has ordered that public offices in the Campidoglio area (next to Piazza Venezia) remain closed from 7:00 a.m. on October 28 to 2:00 p.m. on October 29. All commercial activities in the area will remain closed from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 29. In light of heightened security measures and the large number of people attending the event, Canadians travelling to Rome are advised to avoid the Campidoglio area as well as demonstrations and other large gatherings. They should also remain vigilant, monitor local developments, and follow the instructions of local authorities. An entry concerning Belarus (demonstration) was added. There are growing concerns about the security situation in Belarus following a referendum on October 17, 2004, which lifted term limits for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Thousands of Belarusians have participated in anti-government demonstrations in the capital, Minsk, protesting the results of the referendum, widely denounced as fraudulent. Students, journalists, and members of opposition political parties have been arrested or injured during the protests, the most violent of which occurred on October 19 and involved confrontations with police and marches on the presidential palace. Canadians travelling to Belarus should remain vigilant, monitor local developments, and avoid demonstrations, political marches, and other large gatherings. The following Travel Report(s) were updated: Gambia Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Mozambique Country Travel Reports may be updated after 3 p.m. (EDT), so if you want to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information, please visit our Travel Updates page. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Consular Affairs Bureau (JPS) Foreign Affairs Canada 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2 Tel.: 1 800 267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or (613) 944-6788 Fax: (613) 996-2157 Internet: www.voyage.gc.ca E-mail: voyage@international.gc.ca
