TRANSCRIPT
“Me and my wife, we are booked in on 26 October. But we worry too much if you can go at that time, because now airport, nothing go. Please if you can help us, we are ready to go any time.”
That's Antoun Dib, speaking to SBS from Northern Lebanon.
He and his wife, Haim, wanting to return to Australia.
They are just two of the 15,000 Australians the government estimates are currently in Lebanon.
Around 1,700 Australians and their immediate families have indicated to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that they wish to leave.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong is warning Australians - do not delay leaving Lebanon.
“My message to Australians in Lebanon is do not wait. If you are able to secure a seat on a flight, please take that seat. If you have a seat on today's flight, don't delay. Now is not the time for you to wait and see, now is the time to leave.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed 500 seats have been secured between two flights to Cyprus on Saturday ((5 OCTOBER)).
A Royal Australian Air Force plane is waiting there on standby - part of the government's contingency plan.
“Obviously, the operation of these flights will be subject to the security situation and, of course, the airport in Beirut remaining open.”
The Australian Government says citizens and permanent residents in Lebanon should register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's online crisis portal - at crisis.dfat.gov.au
Consular assistance is also available over the phone, by calling the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 within Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.
That registration allows the Department to understand the needs of those stuck in Lebanon, and make contact with people to offer seats on planes or other assistance.
Minister Wong is promising they will do whatever they can to secure further flights.
“We'll continue to secure whatever we are able for Australians to leave Lebanon, of course we will. Australian citizens, we will always seek to help them, particularly in circumstances like this.”
But she is warning the circumstances could change at any time.
“Do not wait. The situation is continuing to escalate. I reiterate the call that I have made, the Prime Minister has made for months now to Australians in Lebanon, now is the time to leave.”
