red24 report:Issue 89, 27 June 2007
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Welcome to the red24 global report - a regular digest of the latest security-related news, travel safety issues, and new additions to our red24 website. Delivered every month this report helps keep red24 members up to date and well informed of the stability of any country they may be travelling to or living in.

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Risk Changes
 
Burundi
The general security situation is beginning to stabilise in Burundi. On 7 September 2006, the government signed a Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement with the last active rebel group, the Forces for National Liberation (FNL). Although the potential for future violence cannot be ruled out, there have been no significant incidents in the past year. These developments have prompted red24 to lower the terrorism/conflict risk rating for Burundi from extreme to high. We therefore no longer rate Burundi as an extreme risk country.
 
Ivory Coast
Cote d'Ivoire has experienced continued periods of political unrest and violence, resulting in a breakdown of political institutions. However, the security situation has improved to an extent since the March 2007 peace agreement between Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and the New Forces rebel leader Guillaume Soro. Progression in the peace process and the improvement of the security situation in southern Cote d'Ivoire have prompted red24 to lower the political risk rating from extreme to high. We no longer advise against all travel to the country.
 
Mexico
The security threat posed by drug cartel violence in Mexico has escalated in recent months. This escalation is linked most frequently to fighting among the various drug cartels and between the cartels and government forces. Furthermore, these attacks have spread to areas that have traditionally been safe. Although in general travellers have not been specifically targeted, there is an increased risk of becoming an indiscriminate victim. Consequently, red24 has raised the conflict risk rating for Mexico from low to medium.
 
Niger
On 31 May, Hama Amadou was removed from the position of prime minister in Niger after an opposition-led vote of no confidence by parliament. The vote was supported by groups previously allied to the ruling party, and the government was consequently dissolved. This decision, however, was rejected by the main opposition, placing the country in a political deadlock with no functioning executive authority. The present situation stands to escalate if opposition groups continue to reject the decision of the president. red24 has accordingly raised the political risk rating for Niger from medium to high.
 
Republic of Ireland
Historically, the greatest terror threat in the Republic of Ireland has stemmed from the political turmoil in neighbouring Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has, however, resolved many of its internal security problems, consequently improving the safety situation both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland. Furthermore, elections in Northern Ireland in March 2007 led to the implementation of a power-sharing government in May. Accordingly, red24 has lowered the terrorism risk rating for the Republic of Ireland from medium to low.
 
Spain
On 5 June, Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) announced that it was ending its 15-month-long ceasefire and warned that it would be 'active on all fronts to defend the Basque homeland'. This was independently confirmed by various government agencies. ETA has a history of attacking shortly after a ceasefire has come to an end, although it should be noted although people have been killed in the past, most attacks come with prior warning. red24 has consequently raised the terror risk rating for Spain from medium to high.
 
Ukraine
Political volatility has led to parliamentary paralysis in the Ukraine. In an attempt to deal with the ongoing deadlock between Pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko and pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, the president issued a decree on 2 April 2007 to dissolve parliament and to hold fresh elections. The legality of this decree was disputed by the prime minister, a dispute that led to several large opposing rallies in the capital, Kiev. The deep political, ethnic and economic divisions within Ukrainian society are likely to remain unresolved and may escalate. Accordingly, red24 has decided to raise the political risk rating for Ukraine from medium to high.
 
In focus

Algeria

Argentina

Bangladesh

Brazil

China

Egypt

Kenya

Lebanon

Niger

Nigeria

Oman

Pakistan

Philippines

South Africa

Spain

Turkey

Venezuela
 
Extreme risk countries

Afghanistan

Chad

Colombia

Haiti

Iraq

Somalia

Sudan
 
Extreme risk regions

Uganda

Russia

Ivory Coast

Sri Lanka

Lebanon

Pakistan

Israel

Democratic Republic of Congo

Iran

Serbia

Philippines

Nigeria

Yemen

Thailand

Ecuador
 
Upcoming/current events

Algeria

Brazil

East Timor

Papua New Guinea

Turkey
 
Latest reports and additions

Israel