Sweden to temporarily close Beirut Embassy

Embassy to close throughout August because of deteriorating security situation in region, says foreign minister

By Atila Altuntas

STOCKHOLM (AA) - Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom announced Friday that the country decided to temporarily close its embassy in Beirut due to security risks.

Billstrom told Sweden's TV4 channel that the decision to close the embassy throughout August is due to the deteriorating security situation in the region.

He said officials instructed diplomats in Beirut to leave Lebanon.

The diplomats will be temporarily stationed in the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, he said.

Billstrom noted that the temporary closure could be extended if necessary based on the security situation.

The foreign minister issued a warning July 27 that highlighted the risk of conflict in the region and said because of the dangerous and unpredictable situation in Lebanon, the government recommend that Swedish nationals leave the country.

"I have said it several times and I say it again: it is necessary for Swedish citizens to leave Lebanon and to refrain from traveling to the country in question," he reiterated on X.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul

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