WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The U.S. embassies in Paraguay and Uruguay and
                  the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil, Ecuador will be closed to the public on
                  Friday because of security concerns, a State Department spokeswoman said on
                  Thursday.

                  The spokeswoman declined to elaborate on the nature of the security concerns
                  that prompted the closings that will remain in effect through the weekend.

                  Another U.S. official said of the announcement: "It is a result of threat
                  information that is being taken seriously."

                  U.S. officials at each facility will decide whether to reopen on Monday, the
                  spokeswoman said. In the meantime, U.S. citizens requiring assistance should
                  contact the embassies.

                     Copyright 2001 Reuters.