Stranded dance group told 'be ready'

ARE THESE THE TERRORISTS?
From correspondents in Beirut
July 17, 2006
MEMBERS of an Australian dance troupe stranded in Lebanon have been told to be on standby to evacuate at any time.

The 45 young performers and 36 parents and supervisors travelling with the Sevan Dance Group remain bunkered down in their Beirut hotel as the Israeli military continues its attacks on the Lebanese capital.

Azniv Iskenderian, a spokeswoman from the group who is in Australia, said consulate officials had made contact with the group and told them they had to be prepared to leave the country at any time.

“A consulate official has approached the group and offered them financial assistance,” Ms Iskenderian said.

“They said not to move away and to stay within 100 metres of the hotel at all times.

“They said the group have to be ready to evacuate at any time, they could be leaving at any time.”

One possible evacuation option for Australians in Lebanon is by ferry to Cyprus but today a more likely evacuation route was by road to Syria.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said it was hoped to bus a number of Australians across the border into Syria today, and then on to Jordan.

Ms Iskenderian said that while everyone was in good health the group remain frightened by the bombing and want to return home to Australia as soon as they could.

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