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France mobilizes military for potential evacuation of Lebanon
 (KUNA) -- France decided Saturday to take a number of precautionary, military measures in view of the deteriorating situation in Lebanon and the continued Israeli attacks against targets, both civilian and Hezbollah, in that country. A statement from the Defense Ministry said "the safety of French nationals is a primary concern for the Minister of Defense" and as a result units were being deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean.These units will be in place to allow French nationals desirous of leaving Lebanon, because of the ongoing turmoil, to leave the country. The statement said that an air group made up of transport planes and helicopters was being deployed to Cyprus and the "Jean de Vienne" frigate had received orders to make for the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition, a landing ship with four helicopters and a hospital unit with two operating theatres is heading to the area on Sunday, the statement said. France has also put additional military resources on alert and has chartered a number of civilian aircraft and maritime vessels to be ready for an evacuation. The French government on Friday warned its nationals not to travel to Lebanon and told the 15,000 or so nationals and dual nationals to stay indoors because of the Israeli bombings. Posted by: Fred 2006-07-15 |
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