The Embassy

LATEST UPDATE July 19, 2006
Current situation of Assisted Departure from Lebanon More than 1,000 U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon today, July 19, about 2,000 tomorrow July 20, and 4,000 on July 21. U.S. citizens in Southern Lebanon are urged to register with the U.S. embassy online at https://travelregistration.state.gov or by fax at +961 4 544 209 or +961 4 544 037. For information about the assisted Departure, U.S. citizens may call 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S.) or 1-202-501-4444 (from outside the U.S.) - MORE PHONE NUMBERS Buses will be provided to transport U.S. citizens in Southern Lebanon to ships for departure.
At 3:00 am on July 19, 2006 at the port in Larnaca, Ambassador Ronald L. Schlicher greeted 138 American citizens who departed Lebanon. Over 450 Americans have departed to date. Cyprus has been supplying food and water at the ports, as well as organizing hotel accommodations. Cyprus has been doing everything in its power to assure that all operations at the ports are running smoothly. The State Department has set up a task force to contract transportation, arrange for the safe return home of Americans, and to coordinate with our military and other nations. Charter flights will be arriving to take Americans home from Cyprus. The Orient Queen will be bringing around 1,000 people, mostly Americans, to Larnaca early morning on July 20, 2006. State Department and DOD together have provided medical, consular, and other support staff and volunteers to help Americans return home.
	Ambassador Schlicher with Ameicans from Lebanon at the Residence
More News
Secretary Rice Calls for Lebanon-Israel Cease-Fire when Conditions Permit Washington -- With ongoing attacks between the Israeli military and Lebanon-based militant group Hizballah intensifying, Bush administration officials said action by three parties – Iran, Syria and Hizballah – is key to resolving the crisis. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told reporters July 18 that “a cease-fire is imperative and we have to keep working to reach that objective.” When asked if a cease-fire should take effect immediately, Rice responded, “We all agree that it should happen as soon as possible when conditions are conducive to do so.” (complete text)
President Bush Praises G8 Statement on Middle East for Addressing Terror St. Petersburg, Russia -- President Bush welcomed the statement by Group of Eight (G8) leaders concerning the violence in the Middle East, saying he is pleased that he and his counterparts from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United Kingdom came together in a statement to “condemn violence,” and “honor innocent life.” (complete text) Related Items: More on the G8 Sumit G8 Leaders Support Proposed U.N. Mission to Middle East G8 Statement on the Middle East
U.N., U.S. Action in Lebanon Awaits Return of Peace Mission United Nations -- While waiting for the results of a special U.N. peace mission to the Middle East, the Security Council July 17 began discussing ways it could contribute to a sustainable and lasting solution in the region. U.S. Ambassador John Bolton, after a closed door council meeting, said that the real solution to the crisis lies in the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1559, passed by the council in September 2004. The resolution calls for "the disbanding and disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias." (complete text)
President Bush Calls Upon Hizballah To Lay Down Arms President Bush said the Lebanese Hizballah organization is responsible for the increased violence in the Middle East. He called on the organization to stop fighting, and on neighboring Syria to exert its influence over the group. Speaking in a joint press availability with Russian President Vladimir Putin July 15 following their bilateral meeting, Bush placed blame for the violence squarely upon Hizballah, due to its rocket attacks from Lebanon on northern Israel, as well as its July 12 attack on Israel, which resulted in the capture of two Israeli soldiers. (complete text)