State Dept. Updates Americans in Lebanon on Evacuation Plans

As the State Department and the Pentagon finalized details of an "air bridge" evacuation system designed to get some 25,000 people out Lebanon, the State Department issued the following statement to Americans currently in that very dangerous place:

"A message to the American citizens in Lebanon:

"The Department of State continues to work with the Department of Defense on a plan to help American citizens depart Lebanon. As of the morning of July 15, we are looking at how we might transport Americans to Cyprus. Once in Cyprus, Americans can then board commercial aircraft for onward travel. Commercial airlines provide the safest and most efficient repatriation options to final destinations.

"The Department of State reminds American citizens that the U.S. government does not provide no-cost transportation but does have the authority to provide repatriation loans to those in financial need. For the portion of your trip directly handled by the U.S. Government we will ask you to sign a promissory note and we will bill you at a later date. In a subsequent message, when we have specific details about the transportation arrangements, we will inform you about the costs you will incur. We will also work with commercial aircraft to ensure that they have adequate flights to help you depart Cyprus and connect to your final destination.

"The Department of State continues to work around the clock and will continue to send updates as appropriate." -- United States Department of State. July 15, 2007

Earlier today the State Department set up two phone lines that Americana in Lebanon and their families can call for information. Those numbers are: For persons overseas: 1-202-501-4444 and for persons in the United States: 1-888-407-4747.

Also See:
U.S. to Stick to Diplomacy in Middle East Crisis
U.S. Policy Options Limited in Latest Middle East
The Powder Keg That Is The Middle East: Ignited?
Hezbollah v Israel - Facing A Crisis