100 Irish to be evacuated from danger zone today

LEBANON: About 100 Irish citizens are expected to gather at the Irish Honorary Consulate in Beirut at 7.30am local time today for evacuation by bus to Syria, following an escalation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.

Yesterday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern instructed his department to implement an emergency evacuation plan for all Irish citizens in Lebanon.

Last night, it was still undecided if the group would go to Damascus or travel further north to Lattakia, Syria's main port.

Diplomatic officials have arranged for visas to be provided to them when they arrive at the Syrian border.

Aircraft are being chartered to take the group back to Dublin, but some people may opt to remain in Syria.

Two Dutch buses will also join the Irish convoy, Mr Ahern said yesterday.

"They have to get their people out as well.

"We've obviously made arrangements with the various governments, including the Israelis, to ensure safe passage."

A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said these plans were subject to change, depending on the security situation.

She said it was difficult to know how many Irish citizens were in Lebanon, but about 100 had expressed an interest in leaving.

The Irish community in Beirut and Irish internet sites had helped to spread the word about the planned evacuation, she said.

Last night, the department dispatched the Government jet with an emergency response team to the region to help with the evacuation.

Those who flew out from Baldonnel included diplomatic and consular staff, and medical and Air Corps personnel.

The Minister has also requested consulate staff in neighbouring countries to travel to the region to assist with the evacuation effort.

A crisis centre has been set up at the department headquarters at Iveagh House in Dublin. Concerned Irish citizens, or anyone concerned for friends or family, should contact 1800-242548.

Mr Ahern yesterday advised all Irish people to leave Lebanon. "I think everyone should leave, given the situation is getting worse by the minute," he said.

"We've got some out with the help of the Italians." Some 15 Irish citizens left Beirut on Saturday and travelled on to Syria and Cyprus.

A number of Irish soldiers on peacekeeping duties will remain in Lebanon for the immediate future.

The department has advised anyone choosing to remain in Lebanon to "exercise very great caution, keep in touch with the Embassy and heed local advice".

All Irish citizens in Lebanon have been advised to register their presence with the Irish Embassy in Cairo and with the Honorary Consulate in Beirut.

"We advise that people stay indoors, and at all times avoid south Beirut, the south of the country, and the Bekaa Valley," the department's website has advised.

"Citizens should be aware that there is no guarantee that any alternative routes are entirely safe, or that passage through to Syria will be smooth."

Irish citizens who have already made arrangements to travel to Lebanon have been advised to "seriously consider their need to travel" and are advised against all travel to south Lebanon.

The evacuation is being co-ordinated by the honorary consul in Beirut, Khaled Daouk, and the Irish Ambassador in Cairo, Dick O'Brien.

Mr O'Brien directed all questions about the evacuation to the Department of Foreign Affairs press office in Dublin yesterday.