Embassies field calls from worried UAE residents

Dubai: UAE residents concerned about relatives or friends stranded in strife-torn Lebanon have been calling foreign embassies seeking information about those still trapped in the country.

With around 25,000 dual Australian-Lebanese nationals living in Lebanon, as well as many additional tourists, the Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been fielding calls from increasing numbers of concerned UAE residents.
 
"We have been receiving a lot of calls from people inquiring about family or friends. People are obviously very concerned and we are trying our best to help," said Australian Embassy Charge d'Affairs, Margaret Barbalet.

Major attacks

With the airport non-operational and an Israeli blockade imposed on Lebanese territorial waters, the Australian government has now also advised people not to travel on roads, following major attacks, including on the Beirut-Damascus highway.

Likewise friends and relatives of Britons in Lebanon have been calling the UK's embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Officials in the UAE are directing all enquiries to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, which has set up a telephone helpline.

Vicky Lee-Gorton, second secretary for political and media affairs at the British Embassy in Dubai, said: "We have had telephone enquiries from residents here who are concerned about people in Lebanon.

"All the work is being done by the embassy on the ground in Beirut and the call centre in London who can take all the details. Our advice for people in Lebanon is to stay put and keep in touch with the embassy in Beirut."

Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), along with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is meanwhile advising against all travel to Lebanon.

The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi also posted an emergency announcement to all American citizens resident in the UAE, on their website http:/uae.usembassy.gov

Yesterday, planning and security assessment teams arrived by helicopter to the US Embassy in Beirut to make arrangements to facilitate the evacuation of US citizens.

Assistance

Emergency helplines have been set up. Those wishing to find out information relating to relatives or friends can contact the Australian Embassy on Abu Dhabi on 02 634 6100, or +612 62613305 for 24-hour consular emergencies.

Australian authorities have requested family members in Lebanon should register with the Australian Embassy in Beirut, on www.smartraveler.gov.au and keep up to date with travel advisories.

The emergency helpline for those worried about British friends or relatives in Lebanon is 0044 207 008 1500.

Those concerned can contact the US Embassy Beirut directly on +961 4 542 600 or +961 4 543 600.