US Warns Expats To Leave Syria

US Expats have been advised to leave Syria by the American embassy

London, UK (Pryce Warner International) November 24th, 2011 – The US embassy in Syria sent out a warning to American citizens on Wednesday, advising that they should exit the country on any remaining commercial flights.

This followed a similar warning issued by the embassies of the UK, France and Germany in June.

The email statement issued read: “The US embassy continues to urge US citizens in Syria to depart immediately while commercial transportation is available”.

The statement went on to say: “The number of airlines serving Syria has decreased significantly since the summer, while many of those airlines remaining have reduced their number of flights.”

The French government also recently called for a “securitised zone” that would ensure greater protection for its citizens residing in Syria.  This marked the first suggestion by any foreign government of any kind of presence on the ground in Syria.

Last month the US ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, and the Syrian ambassador to the US, Imad Moustapha, both departed their respective posts. In both cases they were recalled for consultation.

This became necessary after Mr Ford began receiving threats after publicly supporting the civilian protests and Mr Moustapha was accused of threatening Syrian activists based in the US.

The US embassy warning comes in the wake of news that Syrian rebels attacked the headquarters of the ruling Baath party in Damascus. While the attack did not significantly damage the building, it is suspected that the attack was primarily intended as a warning. This attack also demonstrates the Syrian rebels increased willingness to make a more co-ordinated use of force against the Assad regime.

Shortly after news of this attack British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, urged the fractured Syrian rebels to work together to find a “non-violent” solution.

Since the public uprising in Syria, which began in March, riots and violence have continued to escalate, and have so far claimed over 3500 lives.

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By Aneil Fatania
Financial Editor
Pryce Warner International Group
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