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Mexico City, July 29, 2005 — “A violent battle involving unusually advanced weaponry took place between armed criminal factions last night in Nuevo Laredo. In light of this alarming incident and the continued violence along our border, I have decided to suspend all operations except for emergency services for American citizens, for a one-week period at our consulate in Nuevo Laredo, effective August 1, 2005. I have made this decision so that we can assess the security situation for our employees, American travelers to the region, and visitors to the consulate. As part of our security assessment, we will be gauging what should be a swift and certain response from the government of Mexico, to bring this situation under control. The security situation will be reassessed at the end of this one-week period, and we will determine whether conditions will permit the resumption of normal consular operations in Nuevo Laredo.” Ambassador Tony Garza.
Consular officials will contact visa applicants who had appointments at the U.S. consulate in Nuevo Laredo regarding rescheduling procedures. Issued visas scheduled for distribution on August 5 will be distributed on the following Friday, pending the outcome of the U.S. consulate’s security review.
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