WASHINGTON, D.C., March 28, 2005 (Updated April 4, 2005) – Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez announced that all volunteers serving in the Kyrgyz Republic are safe and are returning to their working and living sites. The volunteers were consolidated last week following recent political events in the country.

Although volunteers are returning to their host country communities and families, they are being asked not to travel to certain areas, unless they have obtained permission to travel for program and medical reasons.

"The Peace Corps staff in the Kyrgyz Republic conducted safety assessments and determined that it was safe for volunteers to return to their communities and re-engage in their important work," stated Director Vasquez.

The Peace Corps staff in the Kyrgyz Republic remains in constant communication with Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C. Each Peace Corps program has an Emergency Action Plan specific to that country and developed in cooperation with Peace Corps Washington and the local U.S. Embassy. The plans are tested frequently and information is updated constantly. Volunteers are thoroughly trained in their roles and responsibilities, and posts are prepared for all emergencies.

Families may contact the Peace Corps\' Office of Special Services with any questions or concerns they may have. Special Services maintains a 24-hour a day, 7 days a week duty system. The telephone number during standard office hours is 1-800-424-8580, Extension 1470; the after hours number is 202-638-2574.