Any word?
CNN update that there is a Greek cruise ship that has been secured for the transport of Americans to Cyprus beginning tomorrow morning. Helicopters have removed about 30 or 40 more Americans, but considering there are a few thousand interested in leaving(that's all? sounds low to me) , helicopters are too slow. A U.S. naval ship will accompany the cruise ship for security.
To: BurbankKarl
U.S. Embassy Plan to Transport American Citizens from Lebanon
July 17, 2006
The U.S. Embassy is finalizing details to assist American citizens who wish to leave Lebanon. Americans who wish to leave should ready themselves immediately and await further instructions. Americans who wish to depart Lebanon should prepare important travel documents such as a valid U.S. passport, birth certificates, and other civil documents such as marriage. Each traveler will each be allowed one suitcase only—not to exceed 15 kilos (30 pounds). Pets will not be allowed to travel. Further instructions will be disseminated via the media, the Embassy warden system and the U.S. Embassy website: http://lebanon.usembassy.gov Two U.S. helicopters arrived at the U.S. Embassy in Awkar at 16:00 today, July 17, bringing additional staff to assist with the American citizen departure, including U.S. Department of State consular officers. The helicopters took out of Lebanon a number of Americans with urgent medical needs, children to be re-united with their parents, and elderly family members. The U.S. Department of State continues to coordinate with the U.S. Department of Defense to ensure that the departure of American citizens is safe and carried out in an orderly fashion. The U.S. Embassy is particularly concerned about American citizens in the south and is working through the Warden System to reach them. The Department of State continues to work around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. The U.S. Embassy encourages Americans who have not yet registered to phone the Department of State at 202-501-4444 from overseas, or at 1-888-407-4747 if calling from the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. Embassy reaffirms the firm, enduring and non-negotiable commitment of the United States to Lebanon and the Lebanese people.
FINALLY, some news from the State Department!!!
1,039 posted on 07/17/2006 12:32:14 PM EDT by rebel_yell2