Romania gov't will SMS travelers to warn of risks

(AP)—In Romania, where many people travel overseas in search of work, the government has launched a text message service to advise citizens about nations that it considers too dangerous to visit.

Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean said Monday the service was set up by the foreign and communication ministries in conjunction with Romania's main mobile telephone companies and Romanian embassies and consulates. Romanians will receive a text message advising them of risks and providing contact details for Romanian embassies.

Romanian traveling to Turkey, for example, will get a text message advising them to stay away from the Turkish-Syrian border and public rallies, together with details for the Romanian Embassy there.

There are currently 66 countries the government considers risky destinations, including Libya and Iraq, were some Romanians are now working.

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