24 Irish citizens and their dependents were able to leave Lebanon today on emergency flights organised by The Netherlands and Canada, the Tánaiste says.
“I am pleased to announce that two groups of Irish citizens were assisted to depart Lebanon today. The citizens departed on flights operated by Ireland’s international partners and they are expected to arrive in Ireland over the weekend.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the Department of Foreign Affairs was continuing to coordinate with the EU and other allies on the tense situation in the Middle East.
“Throughout this crisis, the Department of Foreign Affairs and our Embassy in Cairo has remained in regular contact with Irish citizens in Lebanon. We have worked closely with our EU and other partners to exchange information and coordinate our consular response to the situation in Lebanon.”
“This close cooperation meant that Irish citizens, along with others from a number of countries, were able to depart Lebanon today. This is an excellent example of the importance of international cooperation.”
Micheál Martin said his team remains in contact with Irish citizens still in Lebanon, some of whom have decided against leaving.
“Many Irish citizens in Lebanon are deeply rooted in the country, with family, work and other links. While we have been able to assist almost all Irish citizens who have expressed a wish to leave, understandably many have decided to remain.”
The Lebanese government estimates one million people are already displaced inside the country. More than 185,000 people have fled into war-torn neighbouring Syria, according to UNHCR.