18 July 2006
The Chief Minister’s Department has been in touch with the UK government and has received advice for Jersey residents who are concerned about friends and relatives in the Lebanon.
Chief Executive Bill Ogley said: ‘I have been advised that the Foreign Office is working towards a properly organised - and safe - arrangement to help British Nationals who want to leave Lebanon and this of course includes any Jersey resident who is out there.
‘For the moment, all British Nationals in Lebanon are being advised to stay put, exercise caution, keep in touch with the Embassy (+961 1 990 400) and heed local advice. They should listen to the BBC and other English language broadcasts and those who want to leave should be ready for departure at short notice, including by having travel documents in order.’
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website is constantly updating information. People in Jersey wanting the latest advice should contact them by phone (0207 008 1500) or through their website (http://www.fco.gov.uk). It explains that Beirut airport is currently closed following Israeli air strikes. There is also a naval blockade of all ports and the main Beirut-Damascus highway is closed. Other roads out of Lebanon are also closed, or are unsafe for travel.
With the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign Office is working closely on how to help those British Nationals who want to leave to do so safely. Some naval ships are in the region now, and others, including HMS Illustrious and HMS Bulwark, are heading towards it. However, when and how to use any military resources will depend on the security situation at the time.
Mr Ogley added: ‘We will of course ensure that up to date information is available when appropriate, through our own website or through the Customer Services Centre. But I advise anyone with concerns to also monitor the FCO website for the latest news.’
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