BEIRUT, Lebanon, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The Lebanese prime minister said the country's main airport was open and the Lebanon was eager for tourists even amid fears of a Syrian crisis spillover.
Kuwaiti, Saudi and United Arab Emirates leaders this week urged their citizens to leave Lebanon given the rise of kidnappings in the country.
Lebanese newspaper The Daily Star this week reported Shiite gunmen had apparently taken several men hostage from Beirut in an apparent retaliation for the kidnapping in Damascus of a man suspected of belonging to Hezbollah.
A senior Lebanese political source told the newspaper the recent events are an indication Lebanon is on the "brink of major chaos."
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Thursday that the situation was unacceptable.
"This is a battle for Lebanon's survival," he was quoted by The Daily Star as saying.
Syria's influence loomed large over Beirut before Lebanon asserted its independence during the 2005 Cedar Revolution.
Mikati stressed that the Beirut international airport was open, as was his country.
"Everyone who wishes to visit Lebanon is most welcome," he said. "Please go ahead with your visit."
