Posted on 07/13/2006 1:00:45 PM PDT by NonValueAdded
From Tourists Streaming into Syria from Lebanon, post 47:
To: cinives
You all might find this damn funny, but my sorry ass is marooned in Beirut, where I have been working for the IMF. If anybody has any helpful suggestions on how I can get out of this war zone, I would be most grateful. Right now, the road to Syria is the only way out of Lebanon for anyone, including U.S. citizens, and the Israelis are bombing that road. I am NOT happy with the Israelis right now. I understand their concerns about their kidnapped soldiers but bombing the Beirut Airport was not going to help them in any way.
47 posted on 07/13/2006 3:47:47 PM EDT by rebel_yell2
Message to Americans 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 to you as appropriate.
Remember, always..ASS UP AND HEAD DOWN..
I will say a prayer for you. Good luck!
Don't forget what someone posted about the lack of rebar reinforcements in the hotel walls. It is worth consideration that the French citizens might find themselves in deep doody with this evacuation, IF they can even carry it off.
I hope you can get out of there ASAP, but the above statement really ticks me off. I understand your willingness "to pay quite a lot to get out of here" but, what do we pay taxes for anyway?! Especially given that the situation was not your fault. Government bureaucracy makes no sense to me.
"President Bush just announced that he is sending former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, and his wife, former CIA operative Valerie Plame, to Beirut, to resolve the situation.."
(PS:I thought you could use a little humor...)
An earlier reply said we were sending Nagin and Blanco to evacuate the area.
Well I moved to my village in the mountains, to my grandparents house, away from Beirut. I have limited internet access here, so you won't be reading much from me. I am sorry for that. Thanks for asking.
Praying that you do manage to get out safely. Can the company you're working for help with the cost?
Good to hear from you and that something is in the works, the details of which we can hear AFTER you are safe! Sounds like the note is SOP and signing it lets the pencil pushers allow the op to proceed. I would think the IMF would cover your costs as would other businesses who have their people there. Stay safe!
Hey Reb yell.... prior to the current conflict in Lebanon di you detect or sense a real disgust of Syria/Hizbullah by the local Lebanese? Could you elaborate a little on this from your perspective?
Also...prayers up for your safety...
Glad to see you're out of there and with family. Stay safe.
What if Hamas or its friendly Iranian advisors hit the ferry? I'd have to think a ferry ride over very carefully. I might go on it, bit I'd have to think hard.
Make sure you have a life-preserver, and a helmet of some kind if you go out on a ferry from Beirut.
That sounds like and good move. I'm sure you were a welcome sight to your grands!!!
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