A NUMBER of Lebanese families living in Bahrain have allegedly been asked to leave the country.
Seven to 10 families have been asked to leave within 24 hours, said an official statement by Lebanese authorities quoted by Beirut’s Al Safir daily newspaper.
The report widely quoted in the regional media claimed the families formed the first group to be given such notices.
“Media reports in Lebanon said that Bahrain authorities sent letters to a number of Lebanese families, to quickly leave Bahraini territory,” said the report.
“Bahraini authorities gave the Lebanese a deadline of 24 hours to leave, pointing out that the resolution includes a first stage of seven to 10 Lebanese families.”
However, the GDN could not get confirmation from officials in Bahrain yesterday.
Meanwhile, parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice-chairman MP Jamal Bu Hassan told the GDN that he was contacted by one Lebanese family regarding the matter.
“A Lebanese family called me on Wednesday and told me that they had received a call (from Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs) asking them to leave the country within 24 hours,” said Mr Bu Hassan.
“While trying to confirm this, I learnt from the Foreign Ministry that no such order had been issued, and I could not reach the Interior Ministry.
“I learnt the family is still here, so I am not sure of the report’s credibility.”
Mr Bu Hassan, however, warned of Bahrainis supporting terrorists within the country.
“As we know, there is a terror threat from Hizbollah extremists, which could have prompted such moves, but we need to be wary of Bahrainis within the country, who are perhaps more dangerous,” he added.
“We have Bahrainis who are linked to them, who are militarily trained and supported with logistics and funds, and they must be tackled.”
The GDN reported last month that Mr Bu Hassan said that a proposal to recall Bahraini diplomats from Beirut will be submitted to authorities.
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