UK Warns Nationals Against Travel to Lebanon
Britain advised its citizens on Friday against all but essential travel to Lebanon, citing a recent uptick in violence and wider tensions in the region.
The Foreign Office said in the advice that British nationals already in the country should consider leaving if it is not essential for them to be here.
The office advised against all travel in areas bordering Syria. The northern port city of Tripoli, the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Palestinian refugee camps also should be avoided.
British Ambassador Tom Fletcher said on twitter that although the travel advice was altered, London's “passionate, practical, purposeful and determined support for Lebanese stability (remained) unchanged.”
“This is an anxious time, and I know that many Lebanese are worried. But it is more important than ever that we focus on what unites rather than what divides,” he said on his blog.
Tensions in the region have been high as the United States considers military action against Syria amid accusations that Bashar Assad's government launched a chemical attack against its own people Aug. 21.
There are fears that if the U.S. launches the military strikes on Syria, Assad's forces or Hizbullah could retaliate against next-door Israel, Washington's key ally in the region, sparking another war.
Source: Associated Press, Naharnet
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