Lebanon Ambassador in Egypt Says Lebanese Unhurt, Additional MEA Flights to Evacuate Citizens

Lebanon’s ambassador to Cairo Khaled Ziade has informed Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali al-Shami that Lebanese citizens in Egypt were unhurt following violent demonstrations against the Mubarak regime.

Shami’s office said in a statement that the Caretaker foreign minister was following up closely the situation of the Lebanese community in Egypt.

Thousands of passengers were stranded at Cairo's airport over the weekend as flights were canceled or delayed. Several Arab nations, meanwhile, moved to evacuate their citizens.

Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan organized an additional 10 flights to evacuate their citizens, officials at Cairo International Airport said. Among those who left were families of diplomats.

Middle East Airlines said it will send two additional planes to Cairo on Sunday to fly home Lebanese nationals.

Meanwhile, scores of demonstrators organized a rally outside the Egyptian embassy in Beirut on Saturday, condemning the regime of President Hosni Mubarak and his autocratic rule.

Demonstrators burned photos of Mubarak amid the deployment of scores of anti-riot police. Internal Security Forces briefly blocked the Cola-Cite Sportive road.