Govt in evacuation talks as travel warning escalated on Libya
The government is discussion plans to evacuate foreign nationals from Libya if necessary as the travel warning for the troubled county is raised to extreme.
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The government is discussion plans to evacuate foreign nationals from Libya if necessary as the travel warning for the troubled county is raised to extreme.
"New Zealand supports the right of the Libyan people to peacefully protest and seek greater democratic freedoms. We are receiving reports of the military using heavy weapons and aerial bombardment against protesters. This is deeply disturbing and unacceptable," Foreign Minister Murray McCully said today.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has elevated its travel advice to 'extreme risk', meaning New Zealanders should not travel to Libya for any reason and New Zealanders in Libya should leave if it is safe to do so.
"New Zealanders wanting to leave Libya are doing so via commercial flights, and currently this is the most straightforward option. We understand Tripoli airport is open but chaotic," Mr McCully said.
There are currently 25 New Zealanders registered with MFAT as being in Libya.
"In addition to providing assistance to New Zealanders in Libya, we are in discussion with other governments regarding plans to evacuate foreign nationals should this be required," Mr McCully said.
NBR staff
Tue, 22 Feb 2011
Tue, 22 Feb 2011
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
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Govt in evacuation talks as travel warning escalated on Libya
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