21 Jul 2006

Confusion about fate of Fiji families in Lebanon

10:10 am on 21 July 2006

Confusion surrounds the fate of several Fijian families trapped in the fighting in Southern Lebanon.

One report says three Fijian families living in Tyre, scene of some of the heaviest bombing by Israeli planes and unmanned aerial vehicles have been evacuated to Cyprus.

Another family living in the capital Beirut was evacuated earlier.

But the report said the fate of Fiji nurses working in Lebanon was not known.

Another report said some Fijians are still in Tyre.

Fiji's foreign affairs minister, Kaliopate Tavola, says all Fijians in Lebanon were employed by the United Nations and has asked the body for an update of the situation.

Mr Tavola says the focus of the government is to get the families to safety.

He says Fiji soldiers serving with the Multi-National Force and Observers in Sinai will remain on duty.