FCO - Update on Political situation

Lebanon remains in a high state of tension following violent clashes in Beirut and other areas of the country between 7 - 12 May 2008. A political agreement was reached on 21 May 2008 to elect a new President and form a unity government. On 25 May Michel Sleiman was elected as President. This has alleviated some tensions, but they remain particularly high in the area around Tripoli and in parts of the Beka'a valley. Since mid-June there have been a series of clashes in northern Tripoli that have killed and injured several people. Be aware that the security situation could change quickly and could affect your ability to move around safely and severely limit your options if you need to depart Lebanon at short notice. During this period of high tension you should exercise particular vigilance, ensure that you are content with your personal security arrangements and keep yourself up to date with developments, including by regularly monitoring this travel advice. We advise against all travel to Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, which remain in a state of tension. Until early September 2007 there was heavy fighting between the Lebanese Army and militants, which largely destroyed the Nahr al-Bared Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli, Northern Lebanon There has been continued tension in other Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, with frequent violent clashes in particular in Ein El Helwe camp near Sidon in southern Lebanon. There is a risk that instability in the nearby Ein El Hilwe Palestinian Refugee Camp could directly affect Sidon itself.