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Travel
warnings
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PANAMA |
April 12th, 2003 |
The
Darien Gap begins at the end of the Pan American Highway (at
Yaviza, about 230 km southeast of Panama City) and ends at the
Colombian border. Because of the extremely volatile situation at
the border with Colombia, the Darien Gap is a "Red
Zone" under Panamanian regulations. The area also includes
parts of Darien National Park and privately owned nature
reserves and tourist resorts. Only Panamanian police and the
local indigenous population frequent this area. There have been
numerous cases of deaths and disappearances in the Darien Gap.
Travel beyond Yaviza is very dangerous and should be avoided.
Violent anti-government demonstrations and protest marches
frequently occur in Panama City. Demonstrators, including
university and high school students, labour union members and
teachers, have in the past staged rallies at Panama City
landmarks and public parks. Because of the unpredictable nature
of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadian
citizens resident in or visiting Panama should exercise caution,
avoid demonstrations and disturbances, and monitor news
broadcasts closely. |
| Canadian
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade |
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