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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Embassy of the United States of America Nicosia Cyprus

 

 

 
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DAILY ARCHIVE
ASSISTED DEPARTURE OF AMERICANS FROM LEBANON

LATEST UPDATE
Based on current planning, we believe that American citizens who have arrived in Cyprus as of July 21 from Lebanon choosing to depart on U.S contracted onward flights will be able to do so within 48 hours. We anticipate that those arriving on or after July 22 will depart on onward chartered flights within 48 -72 hours. The option of commercial flights is also available.
IMPORTANT
  • U.S. is doing everything possible to assist citizens who wish to leave Lebanon. 
  • We urge all American citizens who want help during the assisted departure process -- or who need to register with the Embassy -- to register with the U.S. Embassy by phone at 202-501-4444 from overseas, or at 1-888-407-4747 if calling from the U.S. and Canada. Messages regarding the evacuation are also being posted on http://travel.state.gov.
  • In Lebanon, listen to radio frequency 105.5 FM for announcements from U.S. Embassy.

Assistance to U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon

 

On July 26 Embassy Nicosia sent a shipment of foodstuffs to our colleagues in Beirut.  Included in the shipment were boxes of cereal, milk, peanut butter, jam, fruit, chocolate, multiple forms of snack food, and a large supply of Red Bull (energy drink). 
JULY 24, 2006 - 23:00 Local Time (GMT+0200)
Deputy Chief of Mission Jane Zimmerman helping American citizens arriving from Lebanon on the Orient Queen
USAID-provided health kits destined for Beirut, Lebanon are moved through customs after arrival in Larnaca, Cyprus.

Status Report


The United States is using all available means to ensure safe and orderly passage of American citizens out of Lebanon to Cyprus and Turkey, including U.S. military ships, chartered commercial ships, and U.S. military helicopters. From Cyprus and Turkey, the U.S. Government is transporting American citizens to the United States via commercial charter and military aircraft.

The United States will contribute $30 million to an international appeal for humanitarian aid for Lebanon, to include medical kits, blankets and plastic sheeting. The first medical supplies arrived in Beirut today.

Status Report

As of 1600 EDT July 25, more than 13,000 American Citizens have been transported out of Lebanon by the United States since Sunday, July 16. Approximately 681 Americans departed today, and 1,300 berths have been earmarked for Americans departing July 26th.

An estimated 7,200 American citizens have arrived safely in the United States via U.S. government chartered flights.

We will continue to transport Americans via ship and helicopter. The last scheduled ship departure will be Wednesday, July 26th. Future departures will be on an emergency, case-by-case basis, and the U.S. Embassy will retain the capability to facilitate such departures.

  • Delta Airlines has shown private sector leadership by transporting U.S. citizens from Larnaca, Cyprus to Atlanta, Georgia.
  • U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) has been supporting the Department of State airlift efforts by arranging commercial charter aircraft and military aircraft.


The number of Americans requesting departure from Beirut continues to decline. Embassy Beirut is urging American citizens in television and radio appearances to come for processing quickly if they wish to leave. The State Department is aware that there is still an undetermined number of Americans at locations in southern Lebanon. We remain concerned about the welfare of all American citizens in Lebanon and will continue to facilitate their departure and return to the United States.

The State Department is working with partners in the Department of Defense, the private sector, and friends and allies around the world to assist transporting Americans in the safest manner possible.

In this extraordinary case, the State Department has waived the requirement for American citizens departing Lebanon to reimburse the U.S. Government for travel costs.

 

More Information on U.S. aid to Lebanon

 

Photo gallery of Deputy Chief of Mission Jane Zimmerman helping American citizens arriving on the Orient Queen, July 25, 2006

 

Photo gallery of U.S. aid to Lebanon

Secretary Rice met with Foreign Minister Lillikas
and Ambassador Schlicher at Larnaca Airport

For Immediate Release

JULY 24, 2006 - 16:00 Local Time (GMT+0200)

 

SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEEZZA RICE AT LARNACA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

 

Foreign Minister George Lillikas met Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on her arrival at the Larnaca International Airport. The Secretary of State took the opportunity to express the gratitude of the United States for the remarkable cooperation in the assisted departure efforts.  The two governments will remain in close touch on issues related to the situation in Lebanon and Israel. 

 

Photo gallery of Secretary Rice's arrival at Larnaca International Airport

 
SEE OUR ARCHIVE FOR PREVIOUS SITUATION REPORTS, PHOTO GALLERIES AND NEWS

More News
Humanitarian Assistance to the Lebanese People

Secretary of State Rice authorized $30 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to victims of the conflict in Lebanon. We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Lebanon and this response to the appeal from the United Nations and other organizations will help address some of the most pressing needs of conflict victims. (complete text)

Secretary Rice's Remarks En Route to the Middle East

Secretary Rice: Good afternoon. We are headed first to the Middle East, to Israel. The purpose of this trip is obviously to address the ongoing situation in Lebanon and the separate situation that is going on in Gaza. So I will meet not just with the Israelis concerning the situation in Lebanon, but of course I will go and see Abu Mazen in Ramallah as well. (complete text)

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Information about the assisted departure:
+1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S.)
+1-202-501-4444 (from outside the U.S.)

General Enquiries (U.S. Embassy Nicosia, Cyprus):
+(357)-22-393939

Press Enquiries: +(357)-24-824944 or +(357)-24-846746
Email: uspresscy@yahoo.com

U.S. Embassy Beirut: +961-4-542-600

 
PHOTO GALLERY
Secretary Rice arrives in Larnaca en route to Beirut
Secretary Rice is greeted by Foreign Minister Lillikas
Secretary Rice with Ambassador Schlicher and Foreign Minister Lillikas
Secretary Rice with Brigadier General Jensen
Left to Right: Defense Attache Colonel Mooney, Foreign Minister Lillikas and Ambassador Schlicher
The Secretary of State took the opportunity to thank Cyprus for its extraordinary assistance to the American people



OTHER PHOTO GALLERIES