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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
   
BRITISH AIRWAYS - British Airways customers flying from Gatwick will soon be able to wing their way directly to the US East Coast when the airline starts direct flights to New York next year. From May 1st British Airways will fly customers in to the city that never sleeps. Customers will travel on a three-cabin Boeing 777, offering a choice of 40 seats in Club World, 24 in World Traveller Plus and 216 in World Traveller. It will make British Airways the only airline to offer flights to New York from all three of London's main airports; Gatwick, Heathrow and London City.
Lynne Embleton, British Airways' managing director at Gatwick said: "The new route from Gatwick to New York's JFK airport will enable us to offer access to a third London airport, giving our customers maximum choice and flexibility. New York is British Airways' flagship Atlantic route and will always be one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers and business travellers alike. The flight will offer fantastic connections to our extensive network of short-haul flights to 112 destinations across Europe. The new route also complements our almost hourly service from Heathrow, thanks to our transatlantic Joint Business with American Airlines. 

US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION(ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES) - A new federal rule forbids airline passengers from packing electronic cigarettes or other battery-operated electronic smoking devices in their checked bags to protect against in-flight fires. The rule still allows e-cigarettes in carry-on bags, but passengers cannot recharge the devices while on the plane. The Department of Transportation said there have been at least 26 incidents since 2009 in which e-cigarettes that have caused explosions or fires, including several in which the devices were packed in luggage. Usually, they have been accidentally left on or the battery short-circuits. At Los Angeles International Airport in January, a checked bag that arrived late and missed its connecting flight caught fire in the luggage area due to an overheated e-cigarette packed inside. The rule goes into effect within the next two weeks.

QATAR AIRWAYS/JETBLUE - Qatar Airways will codeshare on 29 JetBlue routes from Boston's Logan International Airport starting March 16, when Qatar Airways' own Doha-Boston service launches. The carriers already codeshare on flights from New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International Airport.

GERMANY(BERLIN) - Authorities in Germany's capital city, Berlin, are expected to evacuate the city's Kreuzberg area on 30 October in preparation for the disposal of a Second World War bomb. The evacuation of the area is expected to commence at 09:00 local time. A large number of roads will be subject to closure, including Linden Street, where the bomb was discovered, as well as Wilhelm, Friedrich and Alte Jakob streets. Urban centres in Germany were subject to heavy bombing during the final stages of the Second World War; many devices failed to explode and have subsequently been found during construction work. The disposal or detonation of these bombs generally concludes without incident, although this can often result in significant travel disruptions. Persons planning to travel to areas covered by the evacuation order on 30 October are advised to monitor developments closely and adhere to advisories issued by the local authorities. Furthermore, clients should anticipate disruptions to public transport and adjust their travel plans accordingly.

FRANCE(PARIS) - Rail workers are set to hold a protest rally in France's capital, Paris, on 29 October. The rally, which has been called against proposed pension reforms, will commence at the city's Place Raoul Dautry from 12:30 local time, from where protesters will march on the Ministry of Social Affairs. Several major thoroughfares, including the Boulevard du Montparnasse and Boulevard des Invalides, will be impacted by the protest march. Although expected to conclude peacefully, the rally could lead to localised travel disruptions in and around the aforementioned venues and associated roadways. Clients in Paris are advised to avoid the protest gathering as a precaution and should ensure that itineraries are kept flexible to accommodate for delays caused by the gathering.

GUINEA(FORECARIAH) - At least three new cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever were reported in western Guinea, according to reports released on 28 October. The infections were all reported in the town of Forecariah and are believed to be linked to a fatal case of the disease in the settlement earlier in October. At least nine Ebola infections are currently being treated in Guinea amid the laboratory confirmation of the recent cases in Forecariah.  The West African Ebola outbreak was first reported in the south eastern Macenta, Gueckedou and Kissidougou prefectures, where the disease was initially mistaken for Lassa fever. Subsequent cases have been confirmed in the Dabola, Djingaraye, Telimele, Boffa, Kouroussa, Dubreka, Fria, Siguiri and Pita administrative divisions. The presence of the disease was reported in the densely populated capital, Conakry. However, active transmissions are currently limited to Conakry and Forecariah. A total of 3,806 cases have been reported in the country, including an estimated 2,535 fatalities. Due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, clients are advised against all non-essential travel Guinea. It should be noted that this advisory is in light of various restrictions to movement and travel, including the reduction of commercial air travel options, which are compromising both entry into and exit from Guinea at this time. Foreign visitors are generally considered to be at a lower risk of contracting Ebola, provided they do not undertake any high-risk activities, such as involvement in health care, burial practices and/or other activities which would necessitate close contact with infected individuals.

KENYA(NAIROBI) - Flooding caused by heavy rains has resulted in widespread disruptions across Kenya's capital, Nairobi. According to the Kenyan Red Cross, areas worst affected include the city's Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Eastleigh and Lunga Lunga areas. Worst-affected roadways include the Lusaka, Jogoo and Langata thoroughfares. Adverse weather conducive to flooding is expected to persist in Nairobi until at least 31 October. Consequently, further flooding and associated travel disruptions should be expected over this period. Clients in Nairobi are advised to exercise caution, particularly in low-lying, flood-prone areas, as well as in locales near storm drains, drainage channels and rivers. Allowances should be made for travel disruptions in flood-affected areas. In addition, clients are advised to monitor local media for official warnings and advisories.

ISRAEL - Heavy rainfall and localised flooding were reported in parts of central and northern Israel on 28 October. Some of the worst-affected areas included the communities of Herzliya, Raanana and Kfar Saba, located north of Tel Aviv, where roads were closed and power supply disrupted. The Herzliya Airport was also briefly closed. The Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) has warned of further rainfall over central Israel on 29 October and of a flash flooding risk in dry river beds (wadis) in eastern and southern Israel. The rainfall is expected to ease during the evening of 29 October and on 30 October. Persons operating in Israel are advised to avoid travelling through flooded road routes. Dry river beds should also be avoided as a precaution. Local media should be closely monitored for updates and advisories from the authorities. Updates can also be accessed via the IMS website (http://www.ims.gov.il/IMSENG/All_Tahazit/homepage.htm).

LEBANON(BEIRUT) - Lebanon's capital, Beirut, was partially flooded in places on 28 October following heavy rainfall. Localised road traffic disruptions were reported in numerous areas, including along access routes to the Rafic Hariri International Airport. Adverse weather conditions are expected to persist until 30 October. Further localised flooding is possible.  Although the rainfall was not excessive, poor drainage in places and blocking of drains by debris contributed to the accumulation of water; further moderate to heavy rainfall will likely result in additional disruptions. Beirut experiences most of its rainfall between November and March. In addition, an ongoing accumulation of waste on Beirut's streets may further exacerbate the blockage of drains. The presence of waste on the streets could also undermine the city's health environment. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Lebanon, including Beirut. Persons travelling in the city should avoid transiting through flooded roads. During periods of rainfall, travellers should monitor local media for updates from the authorities and for alternative route information, should roads become blocked.

DENMARK(CENTRAL COPENHAGEN) - Activist and civil society groups have called for a mass march in Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, on 29 October. Participants are expected to gather in front of the City Hall at 16:00 local time and proceed to the Christiansborg Palace Square. Authorities have advised commuters to make use of public transport instead of private vehicles as some city streets will be inaccessible. The protest has been called in opposition to the government's proposed four-year education budget cut plan. At least 12,000 people are expected to participate in the upcoming demonstration. In a bid to increase the country surplus, the government has proposed a four-year education sector budget cut. The proposal has been met with major opposition. Although the rally is expected to conclude peacefully the threat of violent unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the march. Clients in Copenhagen on 29 October are advised to avoid all protests and related events as a standard precaution. Furthermore, as the march is expected to result in significant travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

BRAZIL(ALAGOAS STATE) - A proposed constitutional amendment relating to indigenous lands was approved by a special committee of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies (lower house) on 27 October. The proposal needs to be approved by the full house of representatives, including Senate, and the president before it can be implemented. The amendment would grant power to the National Congress for the demarcation of indigenous lands, thus limiting the autonomy of the federal government. The proposal is widely opposed by the indigenous people of Brazil, including the National Indian Foundation (FUNAI). Protesters have been agitating against the proposal in Alagoas in recent days, including in the municipalities of Novo Lino, Joaquim Gomes, Porto Real do Colegio and Delmiro Gouveia. In light of the recent developments, further protests are possible. The status and rights of the indigenous Indian population remain a key concern in Brazil, and can lead to occasional unrest. In addition to any possible protests, it should be noted that protesters may erect unofficial blockades on major highways in the state. Most recently, protesters opposed to the proposal blockaded the BR-101 highway between the municipalities of Novo Lino and Joaquim Gomes on 27 and 28 October. The possibility of low-level confrontations between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted.  Clients in Alagoas state over the near-term are advised to monitor local media for related updates and developments. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any localised travel delays.

PANAMA - Authorities increased security at major public transportation hubs in Panama on 28 October in anticipation of an increase in localised travel ahead of the country's Independence Day commemorations. Additional security personnel have been deployed to the Tocumen International Airport in the capital, Panama City, in addition to the city's metro system which will see increased traffic in the coming days. Similar security deployments are also likely to accompany commemorative public events. November is known as the 'month of the mother country' in Panama, and numerous large parades and festivals are scheduled to take place, beginning on 3 November with Independence from Colombia Day. Although violence at such events is rare, travellers are advised to expect travel delays and disruptions. Large street parades and festivals are the norm and main roads and streets in major cities, such as Colon, as well as in smaller towns are often closed to accommodate festivities. Other public holidays that may affect travel in November include Flag Day on 4 November; Colon Day on 5 November; the anniversary of the uprising in Villa de Los Santos on 10 November and Independence from Spain Day on 28 November. Clients in Panama are advised to ensure that itineraries are kept flexible if conducting both inter- and intra-city travel in the country due to the increased demand for services. Clients should also remain aware of the potential for increased levels of criminality at crowded public venues over the commemorative period and should exercise heightened vigilance at all times.

BOLIVIA(COROICO, LA PAZ DEPARTMENT) - Protesting residents clashed with mine workers at a gold mining facility in the town of Coroico, located in Bolivia's La Paz department, on 25 October. The violence left three people dead and eight others wounded when clashes erupted near the Cruz del Sur gold mine, which remains occupied by protesters. As many as 800 additional police forces were deployed to the affected area on 28 October.  Further unrest by both local residents and mine workers in response to the violence is possible in the coming days. Should protests occur, participants may erect unofficial roadblocks as part of the agitation. The possibility of violence is credible. Clients in the Coroico area over the near-term are advised to monitor local media for developments and updates on the unrest. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution. Furthermore, heightened caution should be exercised near the Cruz del Sur mining facility.

INDIA(JAMMU & KASHMIR) -  disruptive protest and accompanying shutdown strike have been reported in the Kulgam district of India's Jammu and Kashmir state on 29 October. Security forces reportedly dispersed protesters with the use of teargas and aerial firing after members of the community gathered in defiance of the central government's killing of Lashkar-e-Toiba operations chief, Abu Qasim, late on 28 October. Qasim was killed by security forces in Khandaypora village, which has been the focal point for much of the protest action and agitation. Further protests are possible in the coming days across Jammu and Kashmir. Disruptions to business and travel should be expected for the remainder of 29 October due to the strike. Any additional protests and shutdowns related to the above-mentioned incident are expected to be widely observed in Jammu and Kashmir and to result in business and transportation disruptions. Accompanying disruptive action such as transport blockades or violent clashes cannot be discounted. Security forces will not hesitate to use force in quelling any dissent. In addition to the risk of continued protests and strikes, this latest development may be utilised by pro-separatist militants to conduct attacks against Indian state interests in retaliation for the killing of Qasim. In the event that such attacks do occur, these are likely to target Indian security force personnel and institutions based in towns and cities in Jammu and Kashmir or along the India-Pakistan border. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region) due to ongoing threats of separatist conflicts and terrorism. Persons in Jammu and Kashmir should avoid all street protests and all travel near Indian state facilities or personnel, and should prepare for possible travel disruptions.

ISRAEL(WEST BANK, GAZA STRIP & ISRAEL) - (Update) There is a risk of an escalation in anti-Israel civil unrest in Palestinian communities across the West Bank, in East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip (near the shared border with Israel) and in Arab Palestinian communities of Israel on Friday 30 October following Muslim midday prayers. The Palestinian territories and to a lesser extent, Israel, have been affected by an escalation in violent and disruptive civil unrest and associated low-level knife, vehicular and shooting attacks since early October. The violence was triggered by Palestinian concerns regarding Israeli encroachment on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City. In recent weeks, Fridays, a traditional protest period, have been affected by a spike in related agitation. Major Palestinian groupings have also regularly called for 'days of rage' on recent Fridays. In the West Bank, Palestinian refugee camps, Palestinian cities, specifically Hebron, Israeli settlements and checkpoints, and crossing points between the West Bank and Jerusalem are considered protest hotspots. East Jerusalem and the Old City in Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip-Israel border and Arab Palestinian communities in Israel may also be impacted by violent civil unrest. In response to this risk, the Israeli authorities may order restrictions on Palestinians travelling between Palestinian- and Israeli-controlled areas. Clients are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip, against all travel to within 2km of the shared Gaza Strip-Israel border in Israel and against all non-essential travel to 45km outside of this 2km zone. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including the Old City. Travellers to Israel should monitor local media closely for updates and advisories and should avoid all street protests, travel at night, security force concentrations and public bus transportation, if possible. Clients travelling in higher-risk areas should consider a security escort.

AFGHANISTAN(TAKHAR PROVINCE) - Taleban insurgents have reportedly captured the Darqad district, in Afghanistan's north eastern Takhar province, following heavy fighting with Afghan National Army (ANA) and local police forces overnight on 28 October. At least 12 security force members were killed during the insurgency.  Such incidents underscore the ongoing deterioration of the security dynamic, as well as the inability of the ANA to exert its writ over large parts of the country. It should be noted that the Darqad district is located within the impact zone of the 7.5 magnitude earthquake which affected the Badakhshan province and resulted in numerous casualties and infrastructural damages in the country on 26 October. As a result, emergency responders, authorities and security forces remain engaged in clearance, salvage and response operations. This has significantly impacted on their operational capacity and resources remain limited. Given this dynamic, the potential for further assaults conducted by the Taleban on areas affected by the earthquake, particularly in the north east of the county, remains elevated in the near-term. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Maximum travel, personal and residential security protocols should be implemented at all times. All movement should be conducted during daylight hours only and in the presence of a security escort. Travel into conflict areas should be avoided as far as practically possible.

SAUDI ARABIA(EASTERN REGIONS) - A Saudi Arabia court rejected an appeal against the death sentence issued to Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, on 25 October. He was earlier charged, tried and found guilty of sowing sectarian strife. His case has been ongoing since 2013. The new court decision has the potential to spark anti-government protests in the country's predominantly Shiite Muslim eastern regions over the near-term. Anti-government sentiment is elevated in the east and protests by the Shiite population against the regime are regularly reported. The Qatif governorate is a particular protest hotspot. The potential for a spike in protests in response to the latest court order is elevated, particularly on Friday 30 October, a traditional protest day. The risk of violence at all gatherings in the east is considered elevated. Clients travelling in eastern Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Qatif governorate, should exercise heightened levels of personal security awareness, particularly on 30 October. All street protests should be avoided.

VANUATU - Protests are possible in Vanuatu following increased political tension stemming from calls on 28 October by opposition leader and former prime minister, Joe Natuman, for incumbent prime minister, Sato Kilman, to resign. Natuman has alleged that Kilman, leader of the People's Progress Party, has attempted to maintain power amid an ongoing corruption scandal involving his party affiliates, as well as declining popularity across the country. President Baldwin Lonsdale is expected to enter into mediation sessions with the aforementioned Members of Parliament in the coming days, which may result in the dissolution of Parliament and snap elections. A resolution to the internal political crisis is expected to be announced by 6 November. As many as 14 Members of Parliament, including Deputy Prime Minister Moana Carcasses, were arrested on charges of corruption in October. A court has refused their applications for bail while they await an appeal. Opponents have criticised Kilman for his perceived lack of leadership during the crisis, his refusal to comment publically on the situation and for allowing the jailed ministers to maintain their positions in government until their imprisonment. Although some new Members of Parliament have been appointed, four cabinet positions remain unfilled. This significant political development heightens concerns of increased competition between opposing parties over the near-term in a bid to secure a majority within Parliament. This has the potential to prompt protests; unrest between supporters of opposing political parties is possible. In addition, the impending outcome of the corruption case may serve to heighten anti-government sentiment and exacerbate tensions between supporters of opposing parties. The capital, Port Villa, is likely to be a focal point for protest activity and associated civil disturbances, should these occur. Although foreign nationals are not likely to be directly targeted in any unrest during associated gatherings, the incidental risks to bystanders remain. Travel disruptions are likely in the event of any gatherings.  Persons in or travelling to Vanuatu are advised to monitor local media for information relating to the current political situation as well as for announcements of upcoming events and advisories from the local authorities. Any politically motivated demonstrations and street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

ARGENTINA(BUENOS AIRES) - Activists in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, are set to march on Casa Del Chaco, located along the city's Avenida Callao roadway, on 29 October. Details pertaining to the starting time and duration of the gathering have not been disclosed. The demonstration has been organised in response to the death of a protester during an anti-government rally in Chaco province in September; the rally was forcibly dispersed by security forces. Previous related rallies have passed relatively peacefully. However, as the planned demonstration is likely to be emotive and carry a strong anti-government sentiment, the potential for violence cannot be discounted. Clients in Buenos Aires are advised to avoid the gathering as a precaution. Travel delays should be expected if travelling in the vicinity of Casa Del Chaco.

ARGENTINA(RIO NEGRO PROVINCE) - A 48-hour strike initiated by the Association of State Workers (ATE) across Argentina's central Rio Negro province remains ongoing on 29 October. The strike has been called due to salary-related grievances. An associated protest march is anticipated in the city of General Roca on the day; participants will gather at Juzgado Federal de General Roca from 10:00 local time. Related rallies are possible elsewhere in the province. Gatherings were held in the provincial capital, Viedma, as well as in San Carlos de Bariloche, San Antonio Oeste, Sierra Grande and Cipolletti on 28 October, where further demonstrations are possible. The strike is expected to continue to disrupt state operations in Rio Negro province. Although the risk of significant acts of violence during any associated demonstration is considered low, the possibility of minor confrontations cannot be discounted. It should be noted that protesters in Argentina frequently erect roadblocks on key thoroughfares in an effort to maximise disruption; localised road travel delays are therefore possible in the vicinity of any protest action. Clients in Rio Negro province on 29 October are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries to make allowances for potential travel delays.

SOUTH AFRICA(JOHANNESBURG) - The Communication Workers Union (CWU) will hold an anti-corruption and maladministration demonstration against the South African Post Office in central Johannesburg on 29 October. Protesters are expected to march from Parktown via the Gauteng Premier's office on Simmonds Street, concluding the march at the Gauteng Provincial Treasury on Fox Street, where memorandums regarding the stability of the Post Office will be handed over. At least 4,000 union members are expected to participate in the protest action. The rally is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the risk of violent unrest cannot be discounted. Significant disruptions to travel in and around central Johannesburg should be expected on 29 October. Persons in Johannesburg on 29 October are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and any associated gatherings. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any resultant travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protests.

MEXICO(MEXICO CITY) - Residents of Mexico City's Iztacalco district have threatened to boycott, and possibly disrupt, the Mexican F1 Grand Prix, which will be hosted at the city's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez race track, between 30 October and 1 November. The boycott of the racing event, which could include protest action and other disruptive gatherings, comes amid accusations that refurbishment of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez race track has led to water shortages in the Iztacalco district. Any attempts by the protesters to disrupt the race and/or associated events will likely be forcibly dispersed by security forces. This could increase the risk of retaliatory acts of violence by protesters. Clients in Mexico City are advised to monitor local developments and avoid all related protests and demonstrations related to the issue.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO(BRAZZAVILLE) - Opposition parties and civic movements have called for a protest rally in the Republic of Congo's capital, Brazzaville, on 30 October. Specific details regarding the time and venue of the gathering have not been disclosed. The rally will be the first in a series of anti-government demonstrations to be held in the aftermath of the 25 October referendum, the results of which allow President Denis Sassou-Nguesso to amend the constitution, removing a clause which limits the president to two successive terms in office. This will allow Sassou-Ngeusso to run for election in the country's 2016 presidential election. In addition to the 30 October gathering, opposition and civic leaders are calling for weekly countrywide demonstrations to be held on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, beginning on 2 November. These events are planned to be held until Sassou-Ngeusso abandons his plans to amend the constitution. The demonstrations carry an elevated risk of violent confrontations between activists and security forces. Persons in the Republic of Congo are advised to revise contingency plans and avoid all protests and related gatherings. Clients are further advised to anticipate disruptions to internet, mobile and other communication services on protest days.

CAMEROON(YAOUNDE) - The League of Cameroonian Consumers (LCC) has called for a protest in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, on 30 October. The protest is set to take place outside the offices of the National Communication Council (CNC), located in the city's Bastos Quarter, from 09:00 local time on the day. The demonstration has been called in protest of the CNC's decision to suspend the Afrique Media television station. Although not expected to be violent, the gathering could lead to localised travel disruptions. It should be noted that the protest will be repeated every Friday until the television channel resumes operations. Clients in Yaounde should avoid the gathering as a precaution and ensure that itineraries are kept flexible if travel to the Bastos Quarter is required.

ISRAEL(TEL AVIV) - A memorial event in commemoration of former prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated in Tel Aviv in 1995, will be held in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square during the evening of 31 October. A number of high-profile guests are due to attend the event, including former US President Bill Clinton. Security, such as additional patrols and checkpoints, is expected to be elevated at the site on 31 October. The potential for associated road closures in the affected area is also deemed to be elevated. The rally will follow a week of commemorative events marking the assassination of Rabin. The annual event typically concludes without incident. Given the recent escalation in violent civil unrest in Palestinian territories since early October, security measures may be more pronounced than in previous years. Clients in Tel Aviv on 31 October should exercise heightened vigilance near the Rabin Square and should cater for potential road travel delays.

AZERBAIJAN - Parliamentary elections will take place across Azerbaijan on 1 November amid heightened security. The electoral process will be observed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Precedent suggests that the elections will be dominated by the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), which has held a parliamentary majority in the country since 1995. It should be noted that international observers have been highly critical of elections in Azerbaijan, due to ingrained practices of ballot rigging, restrictions on campaigning, media bias and voter intimidation. Opposition groups have also been subjected to intimidation by state security agencies, mass arrests and targeted violence; this has prompted opposition parties to boycott elections in previous years. Nonetheless, violence and unrest are not commonplace during elections in the country and it is likely that the upcoming vote will conclude without incident. Nonetheless, a heightened security presence should be anticipated in and around strategic interests such as polling stations, ballot counting centres and political party offices, particularly in the capital, Baku.  Clients in Azerbaijan are advised to avoid all politically motivated gatherings as a precaution and should monitor domestic developments closely, particularly on voting day and shortly after the announcement of election results.

TURKEY - Turkey will hold a national election for its Grand National Assembly on 1 November, following elections held in June and subsequent failed attempts to build a ruling coalition. Political rallies and public gatherings have increased in frequency ahead of the poll and are expected to persist. On 29 October, the Republican People's Party (CHP) will hold a rally from Train Station Square in Adana from 17:30 local time. The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) will also hold a rally in the city at the same time, in the Iller Bankasi Junction. In the capital, Ankara, a demonstration led by Vatan Partisi is expected to be held at Tandogan Square from 12:00 local time. The group will be protesting against terrorism. The US Embassy in Ankara has stated that a gathering is expected to be held at the new Presidential Palace between 10:00 and 19:30 local time on 29 October, in the capital. The embassy expects road closures from 08:30 local time in the vicinity of Sogutozu Street. On 31 October, a Justice and Development Party (AKP) rally is anticipated in the Sincan district from 14:00 local time.  Major election-related rallies and public gatherings are likely to be met by an increase in security measures, including additional patrols and checkpoints, as a precaution due to the threat of terrorism. On 10 October, suspected Islamist militants attacked a peace rally at the Ankara Central railway station, killing approximately 100 people. Further attacks, aimed at sowing instability and undermining the forthcoming election, are possible. The risk is considered elevated in the south east and major Turkish cities. Furthermore, an associated increase in election-related violence is possible ahead of and after the poll, when results are released.  Clients in Turkey are advised to monitor security and political developments closely. Persons travelling in the south and south east of the country should obtain itinerary-specific advice and recommendations from their security provider. All large public gatherings and election-related facilities should be avoided.

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