Agence France Presse
Aug 10 2008

Canada advises citizens to evacuate Georgia

OTTAWA (AFP) ‘ Canada Sunday urged its citizens in Georgia to evacuate
as Russian attacks spread across the country.

"If you have no urgent need to remain in Georgia, then you should
consider leaving as soon as possible," the foreign ministry said in a
statement.

"The situation is volatile and could deteriorate without notice.
Canadians in Georgia should evaluate carefully the implications for
their security and safety, monitor local developments, and follow the
advice of local authorities."

The warning said that Canadians seeking to leave through Azerbaijan
need a visa to that country, but that they could obtain a visa to
Armenia at the border.

It also noted that the US embassy is organizing an evacuation convoy
from Tbilisi to Yerevan, Armenia, on Monday.

The US State Department issued a travel advisory Saturday to
discourage Americans from visiting Georgia or its rebel territories of
South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to the conflict with Russia.

The department said it had authorized all "eligible family members" of
US embassy and consular staff to leave Georgia.