IX.  Business Travel

Warning:  The U.S. Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travel
to Lebanon.  The situation in Lebanon is so dangerous that no U.S. citizen can
be considered safe from terrorist acts.  Armed terrorist organizations which
abducted American hostages continue to operate within the country.  U.S.
Passports are not valid for travel in, to or through Lebanon unless special
validation has been obtained from the Department of State.

Transportation:  Several international airlines make intermediate stops in
Beirut.  U.S. citizens are advised not to board such flights because of the
danger of transiting Lebanon.  U.S. citizens are advised to inquire before
traveling in the region whether a flight will stop in Beirut.

Visas: Required.  Without the requisite validation, use of a U.S. passport for
travel in, to or through Lebanon may constitute a violation of U.S. law.

Local holidays:  New Years (Jan. 1); St. Maron's Day (Feb. 9); Feast of
Ramadan (variable); Good Friday Western Rite (variable);Labor Day (May 1);
Eastern Orthodox Good Friday (variable); Martyr's Day (May 6); Feast of
Al-Adha (variable); Ashura (variable); Moslem New Year (variable); Assumption
Day (Aug. 15); Prophet's Birthday (variable); All Saint's Day (Nov. 1);
Independence Day (Nov. 22); Christmas Day (Dec. 25).

Language: Arabic is the official language of Lebanon.  English and French are
second languages widely used in business.  Lebanon is two hours ahead of GMT
in winter and three hours ahead in summer.  Lebanon uses the metric system of
weights and measures, and the monetary unit is the Lebanese pound.  There are
no exchange controls, and U.S.

dollars circulate freely.  Banking hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 am to 12:30 pm; Sat
8:00 am to 12:00 noon.  Government and private office hours vary.

Communications:  International calls are possible.  The domestic public
network was damaged during the civil war and is not entirely reliable but is
being repaired.  Various private cellular telephone and fax facilities exist.

Health:  Basic medicines are widely available.  Private hospitals in Beirut
and surrounding areas provide modern care.  Doctors and hospitals often expect
immediate cash payment for services.