American Government to forces would be evacuees from war zone to PAY for the privilege
American's who wish who wish to be evacuated from the war zone in Lebanon must PAY the US government to transport them out of harm's way.
For those who cannot afford to pay the money up front must sign blank IOU's (the government will fill in the cost later at their discretion). Read as follows:
"A message to the American citizens in Lebanon:
"The Department of State continues to work with the Department of Defense on a plan to help American citizens depart Lebanon. As of the morning of July 15, we are looking at how we might transport Americans to Cyprus. Once in Cyprus, Americans can then board commercial aircraft for onward travel. Commercial airlines provide the safest and most efficient repatriation options to final destinations.
"The Department of State reminds American citizens that the U.S. government does not provide no-cost transportation but does have the authority to provide repatriation loans to those in financial need. For the portion of your trip directly handled by the U.S. Government we will ask you to sign a promissory note and we will bill you at a later date. In a subsequent message, when we have specific details about the transportation arrangements, we will inform you about the costs you will incur. We will also work with commercial aircraft to ensure that they have adequate flights to help you depart Cyprus and connect to your final destination.
"The Department of State continues to work around the clock and will continue to send updates as appropriate." -- United States Department of State. July 15, 2006
1st Update: For those who think I made this up see link here: http://lebanon.usembassy.gov/lebanon/PR_07_15_06_State_Announcement.html
2nd Update: The State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack, said that though American law calls for it to do so, the government would not seek repayment of transportation costs from evacuees.
“In this extraordinary case, Secretary Rice has directed the State Department to waive the requirement,” Mr. McCormack said. “Today’s step removes one potential worry for our citizens at this difficult time.”
Undoubtedly due to the he bad publicity received as this policy has been steadily publicized.
For those who cannot afford to pay the money up front must sign blank IOU's (the government will fill in the cost later at their discretion). Read as follows:
"A message to the American citizens in Lebanon:
"The Department of State continues to work with the Department of Defense on a plan to help American citizens depart Lebanon. As of the morning of July 15, we are looking at how we might transport Americans to Cyprus. Once in Cyprus, Americans can then board commercial aircraft for onward travel. Commercial airlines provide the safest and most efficient repatriation options to final destinations.
"The Department of State reminds American citizens that the U.S. government does not provide no-cost transportation but does have the authority to provide repatriation loans to those in financial need. For the portion of your trip directly handled by the U.S. Government we will ask you to sign a promissory note and we will bill you at a later date. In a subsequent message, when we have specific details about the transportation arrangements, we will inform you about the costs you will incur. We will also work with commercial aircraft to ensure that they have adequate flights to help you depart Cyprus and connect to your final destination.
"The Department of State continues to work around the clock and will continue to send updates as appropriate." -- United States Department of State. July 15, 2006
1st Update: For those who think I made this up see link here: http://lebanon.usembassy.gov/lebanon/PR_07_15_06_State_Announcement.html
2nd Update: The State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack, said that though American law calls for it to do so, the government would not seek repayment of transportation costs from evacuees.
“In this extraordinary case, Secretary Rice has directed the State Department to waive the requirement,” Mr. McCormack said. “Today’s step removes one potential worry for our citizens at this difficult time.”
Undoubtedly due to the he bad publicity received as this policy has been steadily publicized.