France: No plans to evacuate citizens in Lebanon but travel warnings issued

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
France's Foreign Ministry said Friday that an evacuation of its citizens in Lebanon is not planned at this stage but warns against travel to the country. In an online briefing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pascale Andreani calls on French nationals in Lebanon to act with the "utmost prudence." The foreign minister, Bernard Kouchner, on Friday reiterated his support for the Lebanese government and called on all parties in the conflict to lay down their arms. Security officials say at least 11 people have been killed in three days of street battles in the Lebanese capital between Shiite Hizbullah gunmen and Sunnis loyal to the US-backed government. This week's fighting represents the worst sectarian clashes since Lebanon's bloody 15-year civil war.