Belgium is going to help around a hundred compatriots to leave Lebanon via commercial flights or evacuation flights organised by other European countries Veli Yüksel, a spokesman for Belgian foreign minister Hadja Lahbib (Francophone liberal/MR) confirmed last night. No Belgian-led military repatriation operation is being launched for the time being.
Belgium to help nationals to quit Lebanon, no Belgian military repatriation operation for now
Colin Clapson
Published:
Later in the evening outgoing Belgian foreign minister Hadja Lahbib said Belgium will support all Belgians who want to return from Lebanon. There are some 90 of them, the minister told VRT NEWS. In total, there are some 1,800 Belgians in Lebanon, but not all of them want to leave the country.
‘We have several options to offer them. For example, we have an agreement with the Netherlands. They are going to charter a plane. Secondly, we also have an agreement with the airline Middle East Airlines that will reserve flights for Belgians who want to return.’
A dedicated repatriation operation may be a next step, Lahbib also says: ‘A Belgian military aircraft will be ready if needed.’