'Evacuated' New Zealanders still in Lebanon

Three New Zealanders who were earlier believed to have been evacuated from Lebanon to escape the Israeli bombardment, are still in Lebanon according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Helen Clark had told reporters earlier today she had been advised of their evacuation by Defence Minister Phil Goff.

But a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this evening they were still in Lebanon.

She says there is no way of knowing if or when they might be evacuated, as that will depend on Britain's plans.

She believes the three New Zealanders are in a high priority group for medical reasons as it is understood one woman is pregnant.

A number of Western countries, including France, have been working on the evacuation of their citizens.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs believed there were between 35 and 40 New Zealanders in the country.

But she told reporters today the numbers of New Zealanders in Lebanon making contact with the Government were growing.

"We're now looking at between 40 and 50 people coming forward," she said.

Helen Clark said yesterday Britain had been asked to include New Zealanders in any evacuation plan from Lebanon.

She said New Zealand's High Commissioner in London had been asked to formally request that where the British developed evacuation plans, they cover New Zealanders as well.

"That would happen normally because they look after our interests when we are not represented in a capital, but we are making the formal request," she said.

Helen Clark reiterated that the Government's position on the Middle East conflict was that both sides should pull back.

- NZPA