TRAVEL ALERT - LEBANON

UNCLAS STATE 056764 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC LE SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - LEBANON ¶1. The Department of State alerts Americans traveling to or residing in Lebanon that Lebanese Parliamentary elections will be held on June 7, 2009. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, expects greater than normal traffic congestion, and large crowds at or near polling stations on that day. The Embassy expects the elections will occur in a peaceful and orderly fashion, but reminds American citizens in Lebanon that even peaceful gatherings and demonstrations can turn violent unexpectedly. This Travel Alert expires on June 30, ¶2009. ¶2. American citizens planning travel to Lebanon just before or immediately after the elections should carefully consider the necessity of such travel before making final plans. The U.S. Embassy has maintained a Travel Warning for Lebanon for many years, and continues to advise American citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon. ¶3. American citizens in Lebanon are advised to monitor their own security situation at all times, and to avoid large public gatherings, protests, and demonstrations. American citizens are encouraged to report unusual events or activity to the Embassy immediately. ¶4. Updated information on travel and security in Lebanon may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. Additional details can be found in the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Lebanon and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. ¶5. Minimize considered. CLINTON