Business goes on for U.S. embassy in Bahrain

According to Johnny Young, the American Ambassador in Bahrain, there is no information about a threat to Americans in Bahrain and the embassy was open for business yesterday.

It is closed normally on Thursday and Friday for the weekend and will open again on Saturday. The embassy was flying its flag at half mast yesterday for the victims of the tragedy and a decision on further commemorations will be made shortly.

In a press release issued yesterday, Young said "Bahrain School is continuing its normal operations, with additional security and the U.S. military facilities around the globe ,including Bahrain, have been placed on high alert."

Explaining why the embassies in Kuwait, Riyadh and other Gulf capitals have been closed, while the embassy in Bahrain remained open, he said: "Unless there is a regional directive from Washington that embassies close, the decision is left up to the ambassador and the security personnel of each embassy separately and the US embassy in Manama made the decision to remain open yesterday.

"We are asking all American citizens in Bahrain to stay calm, remain alert, and to exercise due caution. We have no information about any increased threat to American citizens in Bahrain and any updates to this information will be conveyed via the embassy hotline, 255048, the embassy web page (www.usembassy.com.bh) and the warden system."

On what you should if you think a loved one may have been a victim of one of these attacks, he said: " Stay calm and be patient in trying to call to the U.S. Phone lines are operating at capacity, or beyond, in the New York and Washington DC areas.

"Be aware that the Southern part of Manhattan Island and specific areas around the White House and other Washington area landmarks, were evacuated, or at least portions of them, on Tuesday. If the person one is trying to contact lives in one of these areas they may not be at home. Be patient.

"Damage in the Washington area was limited to the Pentagon itself. Unless you have reason to believe the person was in the Pentagon, they are probably safe and the Pentagon has provided a number of Pentagon employees contact numbers.

"For the New York area, or information from American or United Airlines, contact the given telephone numbers. Besides Bahrainis may wish to contact the Embassy of Bahrain in the U.S. for information about Bahraini citizens residing in the U.S."

He thanked Bahrainis for the words of sympathy and condolence that have poured in from them and other local residents in the wake of the attack and especially appreciated the condolences of the Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the strong statement by the Government of Bahrain denouncing these terrorist acts.

He added: " We also thank them for the additional security they have provided at this time and our thoughts and prayers must be for the victims, their families and for the rescue workers who are doing their utmost to save as many lives as possible.

"As President Bush said the resolve of our nation is being tested, but Americans are a strong people and the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy.The persons responsible for this death and destruction will be uncovered and brought to justice.

"We deeply appreciate the support and the prayers we are receiving from Bahrainis, and from around the globe, at this difficult hour".