Finns will be sent home from Lebanon through Cyprus

Press Release 242/2006
15.7.2006

The joint plan of the EU-countries to assist willing EU-citizens to leave Lebanon has progressed. The aim is to organise the transportation of EU-citizens from Lebanon to Cyprus by French vessels during the upcoming week. EU-embassies in Nicosia agreed on the demobilization plan tonight.

EU-countries' and Norway's embassies are exchanging information in order to prepare the reception of their citizens as well as possible. A reception center will be established in the harbour of Larnaca, where the authorities of Cyprus organise accommodation and transportation to the hotels, airports or basic health care when needed. Representatives of the EU embassies will also be present to receive their citizens and to guide them to connecting flights or accommodation.

Finland has today transferred a diplomat from Damascus to Beirut to assist in the demobilization of the Finnish citizens. In addition, Finland is ready to send an additional officer from Nicosia to Beirut on the boat, depending on how many Finns are interested in using the offered sea connection or how much support is needed. More Finnish consular officials are sent also to Cyprus to help in receiving and arranging travel and accommodation for the Finns.

Additional information: Christian Sundgren, Assistant Director of the Department for Communication and Culture, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. + 358 40 551 6571