World Tribune.com

U.S. maintains travel restrictions on Lebanon

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Monday, August 8, 2005

The United States has designated Lebanon as unsafe for Americans.

Officials said the State Department has concluded that despite the Syrian withdrawal, Lebanon was still dangerous for American visitors. They said Lebanese authorities have failed to impose control over large parts of the country, including Beirut.

Since April, Beirut has been rocked by a series of bombings. Most of the attacks appeared to target Christian neighborhoods or politicians who opposed the Syrian occupation, Middle East Newsline reported.

On Aug. 3, U.S. ambassador Jeffrey Feltman said the State Department would maintain its restrictions on the entry of U.S. nationals in Lebanon. Feltman said Lebanon continued to pose a security risk.

Officials said the new Lebanese government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora has urged Washington to lift the U.S. travel ban. Lebanese Tourism Minister Joseph Sarkis said the lifting of such a ban would encourage tourism from other Western countries.

On Aug. 2, the State Department issued an updated worldwide caution on terrorism that warned of attacks against Americans abroad. The warning did not list countries.

"Ongoing events in Iraq have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries; such events are likely to continue for the foreseeable future," the statement said. "U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security."


Copyright © 2005 East West Services, Inc.

Print this Article Print this Article Email this article Email this article Subscribe to this Feature Free Headline Alerts


Google
Search Worldwide Web Search WorldTribune.com Search WorldTrib Archives