Conflict hinders evacuations from Lebanon (Australia)

[cal04]

Prime Minister John Howard says it is becoming more challenging for officials to evacuate Australians as fighting intensifies in Lebanon.

Buses took 86 Australians to Syria last night and the Federal Government is hoping to evacuate more by bus today.

Mr Howard estimated 4,000 Australians had registered with the embassy in Beirut.

He says the Government is doing everything it can to help Australians wanting to get out.

"The fighting is getting heavier, it's more dangerous (on) the alternative exit routes and I ask people to bear with us in a situation that is very traumatic for them, but extremely challenging," he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200607/s1689120.htm