Statement on South Africans in Lebanon

Pretoria:The South African Foreign Affairs Department was officially advised by its representative in Syria, Ambassador Mohamed Dangor of the assistance it had rendered to South Africans in distress who wanted to leave Lebanon via Syria since Friday, 14th July 2006.

In this regard, the Mission rendered the necessary consular assistance to the South Africans, who subsequently left Lebanon.No South African casualties were reported and none of the South Africans sustained injuries.

The Mission in Syria will continue with its efforts to assist any other South Africans who might still require assistance at this stage.

The government requests those South Africans who have arrived safely to advise the Department of Foreign Affairs accordingly.

In this regard, a helplina is operational at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and members of the public can call at (012) 351 0035.

Issued by Nomfanelo Kota at 082 459 3787

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x 152
Pretoria
0001

16th July 2006