Embassy Row

Warning in Caracas

The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela yesterday warned Americans in the South American nation to stock up on food, water and medical supplies and prepare for riots over the presidential election on Sunday.

“In light of [the] recent history of street disturbances occasioned by political activity and current levels of anti-U.S. government sentiment on the part of the Venezuelan government, American citizens in Venezuela should maintain a high level of personal security awareness, especially during the election period,” the embassy said in a notice posted on its Web site (https://caracas.usembassy.gov/wwwh2848.html).

It urged business travelers to avoid the embassy in the capital, Caracas, if they see any street demonstrations nearby. Officials said they could close the U.S. mission without notice if crowds threaten the embassy.

“Common sense measures include, among other things, avoiding large gatherings and other public events where disturbances could occur, and monitoring local developments and media reports,” the message said.

President Hugo Chavez, who has accused the United States of plotting to overthrow his government, is expected to win easily in his campaign for another six-year term because of his wide support among the country’s impoverished majority. His main rival, Manuel Rosales, is supported mostly by upper- and middle-class minority.

Twins defended

Barbara and Jenna Bush are free to stay in Argentina as long as they like, the U.S. Embassy there said yesterday, strongly denying reports that diplomats wanted President Bush’s twin daughters to leave Buenos Aires because they posed a security risk to themselves and attracted negative publicity in the press.

“We have seen a report from news sources stating that embassy officials strongly suggested that President Bush’s daughters curtail their visit in Argentina,” the embassy’s press office said.

“This is false, as are other aspects of the report referring to the embassy’s position on the visit. The embassy welcomes the visit and has provided close support and cooperation.”

ABC News on Monday quoted unnamed embassy sources as saying that U.S. diplomats urged the first daughters to leave the Argentine capital, where they have been on a private visit. The twins, who celebrated their 25th birthday over the weekend, have drawn unwanted press attention.

ABC first reported that a purse snatcher stole Barbara Bush’s handbag and cell phone at an outdoor restaurant and raised questions about the apparent lack of Secret Service protection. An ABC reporter also said he was able to enter the hotel where the sisters stayed and approach Barbara Bush in the hotel lobby, again without being approached by Secret Service agents.

Tickets to ride

The U.S. Embassy in London yesterday topped the list of diplomatic missions accused of owing vast sums of money in a fee levied on traffic entering the central part of the British capital.

The British Foreign Office said U.S. diplomats owed $1.9 million in unpaid “congestion charges” on about 100 vehicles registered to the embassy and accumulated 10,486 violations last year. About 50 foreign embassies are refusing to pay the fee. The embassies claim the charge is a tax and diplomats have immunity from taxation imposed by their host countries.

The other top 10 embassies represented African nations, led by Angola and Nigeria, that owe about $1 million altogether.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone had reserved his fiercest criticism for the Americans and especially for U.S. Ambassador Robert Tuttle. Earlier this year, Mr. Livingstone called Mr. Tuttle a “chiseling crook” for refusing to pay the charge.

The embassy has dismissed the mayor’s outbursts. Spokesman Rick Roberts said Mr. Livingstone “has a tendency to hyperbole.”

• Call Embassy Row at 202/636-3297, fax 202/832-7278 or e-mail jmorrison@washingtontimes.com.