BEIRUT, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- 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.