By John Irish and Michele Kambas
UNITED NATIONS/NICOSIA (Multibagger) - As tensions escalate in Lebanon, Western nations are exploring options for safely evacuating their nationals in the event of a full-scale war. Cyprus and Turkey emerge as potential sanctuaries for thousands of people, with Cyprus having a history of aiding in such crises.
Cyprus, located just 264 km (164 miles) from Lebanon, played a crucial role in evacuating 60,000 individuals during the Hezbollah-Israel war in 2006. The current situation, involving a possible Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon and retaliation from Hezbollah, could lead to mass evacuations from both Lebanon and Israel.
President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus expressed readiness to assist in evacuations, citing a moral responsibility to help those in need. Several countries, including the United States, France, Britain, and Germany, have citizens in Lebanon and have collaborated with Cyprus to devise evacuation plans.
Efforts are also underway to utilize Britain's military bases in Cyprus for evacuations. Additionally, discussions are taking place with Turkey to facilitate potential evacuations from Lebanon to southern Turkey by sea, if necessary.
While no evacuation order has been issued yet, preparations are being made in case of a full-scale conflict. France, with a significant presence in Lebanon, has robust evacuation plans in place. The United States has advised its citizens to leave Lebanon but has not initiated an evacuation.
Despite the challenges ahead, coordination among Western nations, Cyprus, and Turkey is crucial for ensuring the safety of foreign nationals in the region. The possibility of a prolonged evacuation process underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action.
Analysis: The escalating tensions in Lebanon pose a significant risk to the safety of foreign nationals in the region. As Western nations devise evacuation plans and seek assistance from neighboring countries, the focus is on ensuring the swift and safe removal of individuals from conflict zones. The coordination among various stakeholders will be key in executing these plans effectively and minimizing potential risks to those affected. Stay informed and prepared for any developments that may impact your safety and well-being in the region.