U.S. lifts Y2K travel warnings for Russia By Reuters Special to CNET News.com

January 7, 2000, 11:05 a.m. PT

WASHINGTON--The State Department yesterday lifted travel warnings for Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine that were issued because of concerns about potential Year 2000 disruptions.

The department also ended its authorization for eligible family members and employees of the U.S. Embassies and Consulates in the four countries to depart.

"The Department of State has lifted the authorized (voluntary) departure of eligible family members and employees of the U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine and has removed the travel warnings of Oct. 29, 1999," State Department spokesman James Rubin said in a statement.

The State Department said on Oct. 29 that it had authorized the voluntary departure before Jan. 1 of employees "who can be spared from duty" at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and U.S. Consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok, as well as of their families.

It said it was concerned that potential disruptions to energy supplies in Russia could pose a risk to the health and safety of Americans by their effect on fuel, water and telephone service.

Travelers, especially of Asian and African descent, were also urged to exercise caution in crowds and places frequented by skinhead groups, such as open markets.

-- Jasmine Brown (JasmineBrown12@hotmail.com), January 09, 2000