Lebanese in Gabon to be evacuated if needed: FM

Lebanese Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh Saturday said Lebanon arranged with France for Lebanese to be evacuated along with French citizens if the situation deteriorates in Gabon, local LBC television reported.

Salloukh said in an interview with LBC that his ministry is now working closely with French foreign and interior ministries and French embassy in Gabon to keep Lebanese in the African country safe.

He said the Lebanese embassy in Gabon is contacting Lebanese citizens to confirm their safety. "The situation is starting to get better and not worse," he added.

Another report by As-Safir newspaper Saturday said Lebanese in the city of Port-Gentil, the economic hub of oil-rich Gabon, are forced to stay at their homes amid fears that the violent post-presidential election demonstrations during the past two days will continue.

At least two people were killed on Friday as demonstrators attacked and torched a police station in the city during unrest following Ali Bongo Ondimba, the son of the country's late president, was announced as the winner of the election.

Demonstrators set fire to the French consulate in Port-Gentil and attacked other French interests, including the offices of oil giant Total on Thursday.

Salloukh said in Libreville, capital of Gabon, no Lebanese was hurt and their possessions were not damaged, whereas in Port-Gentil shops owned by Lebanese were torched or looted.

Source: People's Daily.
Link: http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90854/6749365.html.