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Polish Foreign Ministry to reduce diplomatic staff in Beirut, says spokesperson

01.10.2024 13:50
Paweł Wroński, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed during a press conference on the situation in Lebanon that part of the diplomatic staff from the Polish embassy in Beirut will be leaving the country.
Warsaw, October 1, 2024. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Paweł Wroński during a press briefing regarding the situation in Lebanon.
Warsaw, October 1, 2024. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Paweł Wroński during a press briefing regarding the situation in Lebanon.(sko) PAP/Leszek Szymański

The decision was made due to the current situation in the region and the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

"The return of these individuals to Poland will take place in the coming days," Paweł Wroński stated in Warsaw.

The spokesperson also assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will assist other Polish citizens not affiliated with the embassy in returning to Poland if they wish to do so.

As previously reported by Radio Poland, Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon overnight from Monday to Tuesday.

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of National Defense confirmed that there is no direct threat to the Polish battalion stationed in the region.

Charter flights still operational amid rising tensions in Beirut

"The situation in Lebanon is very tense," said Paweł Wroński during a press conference broadcast on TVN24. "The airport is operational, and flights are landing," he added.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that charter flights to Poland are still possible, despite most airlines having suspended routes to Lebanon.

For now, the evacuation will primarily focus on diplomats' families, with only essential staff remaining at the Polish embassy in Beirut.

The number of people wanting to leave Lebanon has increased from a dozen to several dozen, including individuals in difficult situations due to health issues or the need to care for young children.

Poland arranges aid for Beirut and facilitates evacuation of Polish citizens

Poland is "working to organize humanitarian aid for Lebanon" and supporting citizens who have expressed a desire to leave the country. International cooperation is also underway to secure seats on flights for all those needing evacuation.

"We are collaborating with our partners from various countries. There is a system where flight seats are made available, and we coordinate with our partners. Everything is being managed in an organized, calm manner," Wroński assured.

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Source: IAR/TVN24

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