Japan upgrades travel warning for Egypt

TOKYO: Japan upgraded its security warning for Egypt on Saturday, advising travellers to postpone journeys to the country where thousands of protesters have clashed with troops. "The Japanese government advises those planning to travel or stay in any part of Egypt to postpone the plan for whatever the purpose is," said the security information released by the foreign ministry.

The government also urged Japanese nationals already in Egypt to leave the country if they can do so, or to stay away from demonstrations and rallies, and "never try to take photos of protesters or police officers". The ministry advised them "to avoid going out alone and to stay away from local government offices, religious institutions or places where many people are gathering," it said.

The ministry also set up an emergency taskforce, headed by Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, ordering diplomatic missions in Middle East and Africa to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in the region. Maehara expressed his "deep concerns" about the situation in Egypt, calling for both the Egyptian government and citizens to avoid violence, a government statement said.

Violent demonstrations have rocked Egypt since Tuesday, with at least 27 people killed in subsequent street battles. Some 50 Egyptian nationals and their supporters gathered in front of the country's embassy in Tokyo, protesting against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak.