Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

British nationals urged to leave Syria

Gavin Cordon
Sunday 24 April 2011 11:50 BST
Comments

The Foreign Office today urged all British nationals to leave Syria in the wake of the latest unrest unless they have a pressing need to remain in the country.

In updated travel advice, the Foreign Office said that following the "rapid deterioration" in the security situation Britons should get out while commercial flights were still available.

"Given the situation on the ground, it is highly unlikely that the British Embassy would be able to provide a normal consular service in the event of a further breakdown of law and order and increased violent civil disorder," it said.

"British nationals should therefore plan accordingly."

Foreign Secretary William Hague condemned the latest crackdown by the Syrian security forces in which more than 100 anti-government demonstrators were reportedly killed on Friday in the bloodiest day of protests so far.

"The Syrian authorities must act quickly and decisively to calm this dangerous situation and can only do so by responding to the legitimate demands of the Syrian people," he said.

"I advise all British nationals in Syria to leave the country, unless they have a pressing need to remain. The safety of British nationals is always our primary concern."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in