The embassy message to British still in country
On behalf of the British Embassy Damascus
Dear British National,
You have received this email because you have registered with the British Embassy in Damascus. We continue to advise British nationals not to travel to Syria, and those of you in the country to leave now while commercial means are still available. This is because of the current security situation, and the risk of a further deterioration linked to recent security operations and the increased likelihood of demonstrations and disturbances during the holy month of Ramadan.
As we have seen in Hama, Deir ez Zor and other towns over the past few days, there continue to be large military and security operations in heavily populated urban centres. The risk of British nationals being caught up in disturbances or gunfire is high and is increasing as security operations move into the areas where you live (which has already happened on several occasions).
On Sunday afternoon the Foreign Secretary William Hague issued a statement underlining our grave concern about the security situation:
“I am appalled by the reports that the Syrian security forces have stormed Hama with tanks and other heavy weapons this morning killing dozens of people. Such action against civilians who have been protesting peacefully in large numbers in the city for a number of weeks has no justification. The attack appears to be part of a coordinated effort across a number of towns in Syria to deter the Syrian people from protesting in advance of Ramadan. The attacks are all the more shocking on the eve of the Muslim holy month. President Bashar is mistaken if he believes that oppression and military force will end the crisis in his country. He should stop this assault on his own people now.”
If, despite our clear advice to leave you do choose to remain in Syria, then you should make your own security arrangements and make sure you have a valid exit stamp in your passport. You should maintain a heightened level of vigilance, keep a low profile at all times, observe the strictest security measures and avoid any unnecessary travel. In particular you should avoid all public gatherings and demonstrations of any kind, as they all have the potential to turn hostile. If you do choose to remain you should be clear that in the event of a further deterioration of the situation, evacuation options are likely to be limited: roads and communications networks are frequently blocked, and the Syrian Government is restricting the movement around the country of Embassy staff. Our ability to assist would be severely constrained by these factors and the security situation.
It is important that you remain in contact with the FCO to provide us with up-to-date contact information and advise us of any changes in your circumstances, particularly if you have any plans to leave Syria in the near future. We should also be informed immediately of any plans to return to Syria. Without this information, it is even harder for us to provide help to you quickly. You can contact us by email (
[email protected]) or by telephone 011 339 1513 . During working hours, the direct line for Rahaf and Najwa in the Consular Section is 011 339 1541 .
Best wishes and keep safe
George
George Howe | HM Consul | British Embassy Damascus
