PARIS, March 29: The US Embassy in Paris has issued a travel warning with regard to possible terrorist activity against US targets in Italy. The advisory warns US travellers of a “possible threat to US citizens in the cities of Venice, Florence, Milan and Verona on Easter Sunday from extremist groups.”

But, Italy, at least in the words of Silvio Berlusconi, is not paying too much attention to the warning. Indeed, many Italian governmental officials reportedly say they’re annoyed over the warning, especially as it concerns a weekend when millions of tourists are expected to make their way to the cities in question.

According to the statement, “the U.S. Government continues to receive credible reports that extremists are planning additional terrorist actions against U.S. interests.

The U.S. Government has learned that a possible threat exists to U.S. citizens in the cities of Venice, Florence, Milan and Verona on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2002, from extremist groups.”

“These groups,” continues the announcement “do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.

‘‘Civilian targets may include facilities where Americans and the general public are usually known to congregate or visit, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools or outdoor recreation events. Americans should increase their security awareness and avoid large crowds.”