Foreign Ministry's spokesman Dimitar Tsanchev

Sofia has expressed readiness to evacuate its diplomats and civilians from Lebanon, as several other European states have already done so. European countries had begun evacuating their citizens from Lebanon in the face of the ongoing military Israeli offensive and blockade on the country. Italy and Spain had already acted to move their citizens to safety, while Britain and France were preparing similar operations.

So far such a step is not necessary, but we are in permanent contact with the Bulgarian Embassy, and other EU missions, in Lebanon, Foreign Ministry's spokesman Dimitar Tsanchev said Saturday. Asked if there is any imminent threat for the Bulgarian embassy to be hit by the ongoing missile raids over Beirut, Tsanchev said it is out of reach of the strikes.

The Italian Embassy in Beirut had helped 420 foreigners, including 300 Italians, to evacuate from Beirut by bus to safer areas in northern Lebanon, Italian state television reported. Authorities in Spain confirmed they had bussed about 120 Spanish citizens out of Lebanon to Damascus, from where they left for Madrid in a military plane that was expected to arrive later in the day.

Around 20,000 French citizens including tourists and business travellers are estimated to be in Lebanon, that was briefly ruled by French mandate in the aftermath of World War 1. Britain also called on its estimated 20,000 citizens in Lebanon to be prepared to flee the country, the BBC reported.

Numerous airline companies halted all the flights to Lebanon following the Israeli attacks on Beirut International Airport.

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