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Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'Beautiful' Med country looks just like Greece but FCDO warns against visiting
A stunning Mediterranean country featuring golden sand, beach clubs, and ubiquitous history is 'redesigning' the way it approaches tourism following an explosive conflict Boasting 139 miles of pristine Mediterranean coastline, luxury holiday resorts, and 32C temperatures - this 'beautiful' country could easily be mistaken for Greece. Last year, a staggering 1.31 million tourists flocked to Lebanon, lured in by the country's ancient ruins, golden sandy beaches, and stunning architecture. The influx marks a 32.1 per cent decrease in visitor numbers compared to 2023, which can largely be attributed to the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. However, after a ceasefire came into force on November 27, 2024, Lebanon has been grappling to restore its image as a holiday destination. Laura Lahoud, the country's Minister of Tourism, says Lebanon is entering a 'new chapter' - adding: "We are redesigning the tourism journey to meet modern expectations. This includes higher hospitality standards and consistent, transparent pricing. For Gulf visitors in particular, we are encouraging medical, wellness, and cultural offerings that reflect their current expectations, grounded in authenticity, not nostalgia." On March 27, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) updated its advice for Lebanon - removing the strict warning to avoid travelling to the entire country. Now, the body advises against all travel to areas in Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate - including the following neighbourhoods: Tariq el Jdideh Bir Hassan (excluding the Rafiq Hariri Hospital and the Ministry of Public Health) Ghobeiry Chiayah (south of the Rizkallah Semaan Road and west of (but not including) the Old Saida Road) Haret Hraik Burj Al Barajneh Mraije Laylake The FCDO's map also shows long stretchers of the country that have an 'advise against all but essential travel' includes spots such as Jezzine, Zgharta, Bcharre, Sidon, and Kfaroue. However, much of the coastline has now turned green - which means tourists can visit but should check the FCDO's advice before travelling. Under its 'Safety and Security' page, the FCDO highlights multiple risks tourists should consider if visiting the country, including potential terrorist attacks, crime, drug smuggling, and sexual assault. "The Lebanese Criminal Code includes a general provision concerning 'every sexual act against nature'," the FCDO adds. "Lebanese courts might consider that this includes same-sex sexual activity. A criminal offence under this provision is punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year." Despite the barrage of warnings, travel enthusiasts are still flocking to the country - desperate to show its more luxurious side. Last year, TikTok account Wanderlust Family shared a video of their trip to Lebanon, comparing it to the insatiably popular country of Greece. "Be honest, how many of you thought Lebanon was so beautiful?" the account wrote. "The news gives you a whole wrong picture of this beautiful country! The Lebanese love to party and if you're travelling to Lebanon, you absolutely have to visit a beach club." Hundreds of viewers flocked to the comments section to hail Lebanon's beauty, with one user writing: "Even as a Greek, I can easily say Lebanon has the most beautiful people and the best food. I can't wait to go back." Another said: "I literally want to go so bad," while a third added: "Wow, so beautiful."
India.com
17-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
UK Praises India, Pakistan For Steps To Cease Hostilities During Visit To Islamabad
United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised both India and Pakistan during his visit to Pakistan on Friday for taking steps to "secure an agreement to cease hostilities." During talks with senior leaders in Pakistan, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Lammy acknowledged how difficult the recent tensions have been, especially for people in both countries and the British Indian and British Pakistani communities. He also reaffirmed the UK's strong ties with India and noted that he has been in regular contact with Indian officials, with plans to visit New Delhi soon to strengthen UK-India relations further. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office said in a statement on Friday, "The UK Government welcomed the sustained ceasefire between Pakistan and India, both important partners to the UK, with the Foreign Secretary asserting the importance of continued stability for the region during a visit to Pakistan today (May 16)." The statement added, "The Foreign Secretary praised the steps taken by both Pakistan and India to secure an agreement to cease hostilities. In meetings with senior counterparts, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the immeasurable contribution people of Pakistani descent have made to British life, and he acknowledged how distressing the past few weeks have been for people in both countries, and for those with Pakistani and Indian heritage in the UK. The Foreign Secretary reflected that the British Pakistani and British Indian diasporas would particularly welcome news of the ceasefire and increased stability for Pakistan and India." The statement further said that the Foreign Secretary has been in frequent contact with the Government of India and will look to travel to New Delhi soon. "While in Islamabad, the Foreign Secretary also met with consular staff working at the UK's High Commission who helped British nationals in Pakistan during the tensions, to ensure they had access to accurate, up-to-date information and advice," the statement added. Lammy, during his visit, had said that the recent images of conflict were deeply distressing, especially for the millions of British citizens with Indian and Pakistani heritage, as well as for British nationals living in the region. He stressed that the UK has been actively working to reduce tensions and condemn terrorism following the deadly attack in Pahalgam. "The images of conflict between India and Pakistan were distressing for all of us in Britain: but in particular the millions of Brits with Indian and Pakistani heritage, and the many British nationals living in both of these countries. Ever since the horrendous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the UK has done all it can to play a supportive role to reduce tensions, get to a ceasefire and condemn terrorism. It's positive that India and Pakistan - both great friends to the UK - have agreed to a pause in hostilities and that the ceasefire is holding," Lammy said. He added, "Because of the deep and historic links between our populations and our governments, we are determined to play our part to counter terrorism and ensure this fragile ceasefire becomes a durable peace." Tensions between India and Pakistan heightened after a deadly attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attack, leading to a series of diplomatic and military actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and Operation Sindoor. After the intense cross-border hostilities between India and Pakistan, a cessation of hostilities was brokered on May 10.
India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
UK Foreign Secretary Lammy praises India, Pakistan for steps to cease hostilities during visit to Islamabad
London [UK], May 17 (ANI): United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised both India and Pakistan during his visit to Pakistan on Friday for taking steps to 'secure an agreement to cease hostilities.' During talks with senior leaders in Pakistan, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Lammy acknowledged how difficult the recent tensions have been, especially for people in both countries and the British Indian and British Pakistani communities. He also reaffirmed the UK's strong ties with India and noted that he has been in regular contact with Indian officials, with plans to visit New Delhi soon to strengthen UK-India relations further. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office said in a statement on Friday, 'The UK Government welcomed the sustained ceasefire between Pakistan and India, both important partners to the UK, with the Foreign Secretary asserting the importance of continued stability for the region during a visit to Pakistan today (May 16).' The statement added, 'The Foreign Secretary praised the steps taken by both Pakistan and India to secure an agreement to cease hostilities. In meetings with senior counterparts, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the immeasurable contribution people of Pakistani descent have made to British life, and he acknowledged how distressing the past few weeks have been for people in both countries, and for those with Pakistani and Indian heritage in the UK. The Foreign Secretary reflected that the British Pakistani and British Indian diasporas would particularly welcome news of the ceasefire and increased stability for Pakistan and India.' The statement further said that the Foreign Secretary has been in frequent contact with the Government of India and will look to travel to New Delhi soon. 'While in Islamabad, the Foreign Secretary also met with consular staff working at the UK's High Commission who helped British nationals in Pakistan during the tensions, to ensure they had access to accurate, up-to-date information and advice,' the statement added. Lammy, during his visit, had said that the recent images of conflict were deeply distressing, especially for the millions of British citizens with Indian and Pakistani heritage, as well as for British nationals living in the region. He stressed that the UK has been actively working to reduce tensions and condemn terrorism following the deadly attack in Pahalgam. 'The images of conflict between India and Pakistan were distressing for all of us in Britain: but in particular the millions of Brits with Indian and Pakistani heritage, and the many British nationals living in both of these countries. Ever since the horrendous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the UK has done all it can to play a supportive role to reduce tensions, get to a ceasefire and condemn terrorism. It's positive that India and Pakistan - both great friends to the UK - have agreed to a pause in hostilities and that the ceasefire is holding,' Lammy said. He added, 'Because of the deep and historic links between our populations and our governments, we are determined to play our part to counter terrorism and ensure this fragile ceasefire becomes a durable peace.' Tensions between India and Pakistan heightened after a deadly attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attack, leading to a series of diplomatic and military actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and Operation Sindoor. After the intense cross-border hostilities between India and Pakistan, a cessation of hostilities was brokered on May 10. (ANI)
Glasgow Times
07-05-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow holidaymakers travelling to Thailand warned
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) is advising travellers against 'all but essential travel' to parts of the South of the country near the Thailand-Malaysia border. The areas include: The Pattani Province The Yala Province The Narathiwat Province The Southern Songkhla Province – south of the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and south of the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Padang Besar. READ MORE: Glasgow holidaymakers heading to Spain issued with warning The FCDO is also urging holidaymakers heading to the Southeast Asian country, which is popular with tourists, to avoid all but essential travel on the Hat Yai (Thailand) to Padang Besar (Malaysia) train line that runs through these provinces. The government said this is due to 'regular attacks' in the provinces along the Thailand-Malaysia border. READ MORE: Glasgow holidaymakers warned after earthquake in Turkey A spokesperson said: "FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border: Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province, and Southern Songkhla Province – south of the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and south of the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Padang Besar. "FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces. "This is due to regular attacks in the provinces by the border with Malaysia. See Safety and security."
Glasgow Times
28-04-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow holidaymakers warned after earthquake in Turkey
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) urged travellers heading to Istanbul to be 'aware of the risk of aftershocks' after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake in the Sea of Marmara. The terrifying natural disaster happened on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The Sea of Marmara, also known as the Sea of Marmora or the Marmara Sea, is a small inland sea entirely within the borders of Turkey. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes which follow larger ones in the same area of the main shock. READ MORE: Glasgow holidaymakers heading to Spain issued with warning In a statement, the FCDO said: "Many parts of Turkey regularly experience earthquakes and tremors. "These can be high magnitude, cause damage to infrastructure, and pose a risk to life. "A 6.2-magnitude earthquake, which occurred in the Sea of Marmara on 23 April 2025, was felt strongly in Istanbul. Be aware of the risk of aftershocks. "See Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority's (AFAD) earthquake page for the latest information about seismic activity in Turkey. "Follow advice from local authorities, tour operators and accommodation providers. See the US Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance about what to do before, during and after an earthquake." The magnitude 6.2 quake tremor that struck on Wednesday deeply impacted the city of 16million residents, leaving many inhabitants shaken and wary of a possible more destructive tremor. Luckily, there were no reports of serious damage, but the earthquake, the strongest felt in Istanbul in recent years, prompted widespread panic and scores of injuries. The natural disaster had a shallow depth of 10 kilometres (about six miles), according to the United States Geological Survey, with its epicentre about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southwest of Istanbul, in the Sea of Marmara. At least 236 people were treated for injuries they suffered while trying to jump from buildings or for panic attacks. Most of the injuries were in Istanbul. The Turkish disaster and emergency management agency (AFAD) said last week's earthquake was followed by 184 aftershocks — seven of them of a magnitude four or stronger.
