Portugal has the mechanisms in place to extract Portuguese nationals who wish to leave Lebanon

The Government has all the operational mechanisms ready to extract Portuguese nationals who wish to leave Lebanon, claimed Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in response to the journalists at the United Nations HQ. He ensured that there already is in place "a plan, a schedule to be able to extract Portuguese nationals from the country given the evolution of the situation on the ground and in articulation with third countries, namely under the scope of the European Union ".

The Government has been in touch with the Portuguese nationals registered in the country, yet reinforces it strongly advises against travelling to Lebanon. 

Luís Montenegro stressed that "this decision has an underlying individual element, and it is necessary for people to inform the State of this intent" so the State can include this "in an operation carried out by us directly or one that is led by a friendly and partner country.

The Prime Minister reiterated his "great concern and apprehension" regarding the situation in Lebanon and endorsed "all calls made to an additional containment effort".