Embassy Row

’NO NEW CONCERN’

The State Department is warning Americans traveling to South Africa for the World Cup to beware of possible terrorist attacks, rampant crime and public disturbances. But the U.S. ambassador in Pretoria insists there is nothing out of the ordinary to worry about.

“There is no new concern about violence,” Ambassador Donald Gips told reporters over the weekend, as he attended a practice session for the U.S. team in the South African capital.

“South Africa does have a crime problem that they’re addressing, and we want to make sure Americans are aware of that and stay in places that are safe.”

Mr. Gips, a political appointee and former assistant to President Obama, added that much of South Africa’s current criminal problems stem from 46 years of the racist policies of apartheid under the old white-minority government.

“[South Africa] is a country that is coming from the legacy of apartheid,” Mr. Gips said. “In the 15 or 16 years since it’s been a free democracy, they’ve made huge strides. But it’s a very difficult legacy to overcome. So there are still problems to be overcome.”

In an article written for the Times newspaper of South Africa last week, Mr. Gips added that the international soccer tournament is a “chance of a lifetime” for the country.

“The World Cup can be an engine that drives South Africa positively into this decade and beyond. South Africans need to seize this moment and unite as one to capture this opportunity,” he wrote.

Violence already has struck at an exhibition match. Sixteen people were injured Sunday when soccer fans without tickets tried to storm a stadium near Johannesburg. The match was not part of the official World Cup schedule. On Monday, South African authorities deported 10 Argentine fans who police feared intended to cause trouble at the tournament.

The State Department was blunt in its travel warning for the 25,000 to 40,000 Americans who are expected to visit South Africa for the games, which open Friday and end July 11.

“Large-scale public events like the World Cup present a wide range of attractive targets for terrorists,” the travel alert said.

The State Department also warned that “violent crime” is “prevalent throughout the country.” It advised Americans to lock the doors and roll up the windows of their cars when driving through cities and hide their purses, cell phones, bags and luggage.

The warning also alerted Americans to expect “organized or wildcat” labor strikes, which could turn violent.

’PROFESSIONAL DECORUM’

The ambassador from Venezuela is proud of the sportsmanship displayed by a native son from the South American nation who pitches for the Detroit Tigers and was robbed of a perfect game because of a bad call by an umpire.

Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez praised Armando Galarraga, one of 58 Venezuelans playing for Major League Baseball, in a letter he released Monday.

Mr. Galarraga accepted an apology from umpire Jim Joyce, who admitted he erred when ruling that a Cleveland Indians player was safe on first base, denying the pitcher a perfect no-hitter.

“The professional decorum you displayed … much as your sensitivity when you declared to the media that ’we are all human, and we make mistakes’ … are demonstrations of your great sense of humanism that far surpasses the great dedication you have to your sport.”

“It makes us proud as Venezuelans to know that you represent the best values of the Venezuelan people,” he added.

• Call Embassy Row at 202/636-3297 or e-mail jmorrison@washingtontimes.com.