September Holiday Alert (08/28/2009)
The Republic of Uzbekistan is celebrating its Independence Day and 2200th anniversary celebration of Tashkent city on September 1-2, and will also hold official events on August 31. The Government of Uzbekistan will increase security throughout the country and particularly in Tashkent. There will be numerous street closures and traffic detours as a result of this increased security posture. Please give yourself ample time during this period to reach your destination.
Public transportation will run, but expect that additional police officers will monitor buses, trams, and other public vehicles, and may stop passengers for document checks. Security checkpoints at the city limits will be reinforced with armed MVD troops and random document checks will increase in frequency. Be prepared for inconveniences and delays entering the capital. On August 31, 2009 trains will not be stopping at “Milliy Bog” and “Bunyodkor” subway stations and will be closed from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be restricted. Everyone should have identification documents in the event that police ask for them.
The Regional Security Office is expecting the tentative closure of the following streets and metro stops:
August 31st
Amir Temur Street
Jakhon Obidova Street – Shakhristanskaya Street
Mukimiy Street - Turkestanskaya Street to Amir Temur Street
Gafur Gulyam Street to tunnel entrance
Zarkaynar Street to tunnel entrance
“Milliy Bog’” subway station
Exit from Bunyodkor metro station in direction of Istiklol (former Druzhba Narodov) palace
Bunyodkor (former Druzhba Narodov)- Mukimiy to Asatullo Khujaev Street
Asatullo Khujaev Street - Samarkand Darvoza
Intersection Uzbekistanskaya- Bunyodkor to Sharof Rashidov Street
Intersection Turob Tula - Uzbekistanskaya to Gafurov Street
Intersection Gafurov Street- Furkat to Bobur Street
Intersection Bobur Street – Batir Babaev to Gafurov
Intersection Furkat Street – Gafurov to Uzbekistanskaya
September 1st and 2nd
From 0600 to 2200, the following sites may not be accessible by motor vehicles or traffic may be limited:
Uzbekistan National Park (Besh-Yogoch)
Mustakillik Square
Istiklol Square (former Druzhba Narodov)
Navoi Theater Square
Khadra Square
Mirzo Ulugbek Square
Saylgokh ("Broadway") street
Amir Temur Square
Akmal Ikramov, Bobur, Mirzo Ulugbek, Gafur Gulom, Furkat, Kodiri, Navoi Parks
Please keep these street closures and heightened security measures in mind, and allow for ample travel time to destinations.
The Embassy will be closed for routine business starting Monday, August 31 through Wednesday, September 2, 2009. During this time, please contact the Embassy at 120-5450 for any emergency American Citizen Services.