Warden Message

November 16, 2007

The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens about the potential for demonstrations and violent actions in Lebanon during the period of the election of a new president and selection of a new prime minister and cabinet.  U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

The term of the current president of Lebanon ends on November 24.  The Lebanese parliament is supposed to elect a new president, who would take office immediately, by that date.  Following that, there is to be a process for choosing a new prime minister and cabinet.  There has been a political impasse in Lebanon since late 2006, with sharp divisions between political opponents.  Given all of that, the Embassy is concerned about the possibility of demonstrations or even violent actions during the period around the expected election of a president.  

The Embassy advises U.S. citizens to be especially vigilant from November 20 through 26, 2007.  The Embassy is limiting the movement of Embassy personnel during this time, specifically in downtown Beirut near the parliament building and other government offices.  The Embassy is also restricting all but essential travel to Beirut International Airport from November 20 to November 26. Even after November 26, U.S. citizens should remain vigilant and follow political developments closely, in particular if parliament does not elect a president by November 24. 

The Embassy strongly urges Americans residing in Lebanon to review their planned movements and to remain vigilant during this time.  American citizens should also carefully assess the need to visit popular gathering spots or other public places where large numbers of people gather.

Americans living or traveling in Lebanon are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Lebanon. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The U.S. Embassy is located in Awkar, near Antelias, Beirut, Lebanon. Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. However, American citizens who require emergency services outside of these hours may contact the Embassy by telephone at any time. The telephone numbers are (961-4) 542-600, 543-600, and fax 544-209.  Website:  http://lebanon.usembassy.gov.  The Arabic language website is: http://arabic.lebanon.usembassy.gov/ 

For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department’s web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and other Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).