BRUSSELS, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Foreign ministers of
the European Union (EU) on Monday condemned the abduction of two Israeli
soldiers by Hezbollah, but refrained from using the same language on Israel for
its attacks in south Lebanon.
"The European Union condemns the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah on July 12 and calls for
their immediate and unconditional release as well as for the cessation of all
attacks on Israeli towns and cities," a draft conclusion from the ministers'
meeting said.
The ministers urged Israel to respect international
humanitarian law and not to use force disproportionately.
"While recognizing Israel's security concerns and its
legitimate right to self defense, the EU calls on Israel not to act in a
disproportionate manner and with measures contrary to international humanitarian
law," read the document.
"Unjustified measures and continued escalation will
only aggravate the vicious circle of violence and retribution," it warned.
The ministers appealed for restraint, saying "a
de-escalation of the current situation is imperative."
They urged all parties concerned to create conditions
for a sustainable cessation of violence and expressed support for all diplomatic
efforts to that effect.
The ministers also expressed support for Lebanese
Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and stressed the need for the government to restore
sovereignty over the whole of the Lebanese territory.
They also urged respect for Lebanon's sovereignty,
territorial integrity and political independence, while demanding Hezbollah to
disband and disarm. Enditem
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Israel not to stop assault until soldiers freed
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert addresses Knesset (Parliament) in Jerusalem, July 17, 2006. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) |
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JERUSALEM, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed on Monday to continue a massive assault in Lebanon before Hezbollah returned two captive Israeli soldiers, stopped rocket attacks on Israel and pulled back from borders with Israel.
Addressing Knesset (Parliament), Olmert said Israel would consider cease-fire only when Hezbollah freed the two soldiers, stop rocket attacks and Lebanese army deployed along the border in southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Olmert vowed that Israel would have no mercy on "terrorists who launched missiles at our residents and our towns". He reiterated that Lebanese government should take the responsibility for the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah, and accused Iran and Syria of sponsoring the group with weapons and money.
He also said that Israel had the right to fight for a normal life, adding that it was a moment of vital importance to Israel's security.
Meanwhile, Israeli left-wing protestors held a protest outside of the Knesset, denouncing the military operation as "the bloodbath" of Lebanese civilians.
Israel continued air and artillery bombardment on Lebanese targets for the sixth consecutive day on Monday. The Lebanese death toll from Israeli offensive since last Wednesday has exceeded 200, mostly civilians, medics and police said. Enditem
Hezbollah: fight against Israel just begins
Photo dated on May 4th, 2006 shows a file photo of Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) |
BEIRUT, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Hezbollah's al-Manar TV on Sunday that his group's fight against Israel just began.
"Our fight against the enemy is just a beginning," Nasrallah said in the video tape.
He said that Hezbollah's strength was not harmed by Israeli massive offensive in the past five days. "We are in full strength and we'll give them more surprise on the land."
He vowed to use all means to exercise the right of resistance." As long as the enemy has no limits, we will have no limits."
He declared that Hezbollah was not fighting a battle for the group or Lebanon only, but also for the whole Arab world.
It was Nasrallah's first television appearance since a wave of Israeli bombardments against his headquarters on Beirut's southern suburbs in the wake of Hezbollah's capture of two Israeli soldiers on Wednesday. Enditem
Lebanese president accuses UN of delay
BEIJING, July 17 -- The Lebanese President, Emile Lahoud, has accused the United Nations Security Council of delaying intervention to stop Israel's violence in Lebanon. This came as Israeli forces launched more ground-to-ground missiles and airstrikes towards Lebanon on Sunday.
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TV grab shows Lebanese President, Emile Lahoud (L)speaks to the journalists on July 16, 2006. (CCTV Photo)
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On Sunday, the Lebanese President, Emile Lahoud, said the postponement of the Security Council's meeting is giving Israel extra time to make Lebanon surrender to its conditions.
However, Lahoud vowed not to bend to Israeli pressure.
Emile Lahoud said: "Unfortunately, what's happening is that the UN Security Council had a meeting and then postponed action, believing that by doing this there would come a time that the Lebanese will surrender. Stop the violence and arrange a ceasefire, and then after that we'll be ready to discuss all matters." Full story>>
