Americans Restricted On Hariri Murder Anniversary

The U.S. Embassy has decided to restrict the movement of its personnel and urged American citizens to follow path on the third anniversary of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri”s assassination due to the persisting situation in Lebanon, a statement said Tuesday.

 

The statement noted that “Thursday, February 14, will mark the third anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri; several Lebanese leaders have called for a large rally to be held in Martyr”s Square in central Beirut in remembrance.”

 

“Given the current unpredictable political environment in Lebanon, the U.S. Embassy has decided to restrict the movement of its personnel for several days on and around the day of the rally” the statement said.

 

“The U.S. Embassy encourages American citizens in Lebanon to limit all but essential travel on February 13 and 14. Americans that absolutely need to travel on these days should maintain a heightened level of awareness and should report any suspicious or unusual activity immediately to Lebanese authorities.

 

“U.S. citizens should, as always, maintain a low profile in public,” it added.

 

It said the U.S. Embassy “will be closed for routine services on February 14. Americans and non-Americans with appointments for consular services have already been contacted and their appointments rescheduled.”