Shafaq News/ Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have sounded alarm bells for their nationals who are present or going to Lebanon, after the security instability that this country is experiencing amid popular protests against the government.
In a tweet on "Twitter" the Saudi Foreign Ministry wrote "due to the current situation in Republic of Lebanon and in anticipation of any negative repercussions of these conditions, and out of concern from the Kingdom on the safety of its citizens, the ministry warns all citizens from travelling to Lebanon, whether from the Kingdom or any destination other international organizations, for the sake of their safety. "
"The ministry also requires citizens in Lebanon to take utmost care and contact the embassy of the Kingdom in Beirut to provide the necessary facilities and care when needed, hoping Lebanon to have lasting security and stability."
In turn, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has warned UAE citizens not from travelling to Lebanon until further notice.
Khaled Belhoul, Undersecretary of the Ministry, called on those who are in Lebanon to leave and communicate the Embassy of the State in Beirut in case they need to arrange their return to the country.
The Bahraini foreign ministry has also urged its citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately because of protests against the government there.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms its previous statements not to travel permanently to the Republic of Lebanon, in order to prevent citizens from being exposed to any dangers and to ensure their safety," the foreign ministry statement said.
Lebanon is witnessing a wave of popular demonstrations by citizens condemning the government's austerity policies and the new taxes imposed by them, the latest of which is imposing tax on applications such as "WhatsApp" and "Viber".