Armenia Condemns Israeli Attack On Lebanon

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
July 14 2006

By Emil Danielyan

Armenia joined Arab nations and the European Union in condemning Israel
for its military action against Lebanon that continued for a third
consecutive day on Friday, heightening tensions in the Middle East.

While denouncing the abduction of two Israeli soldiers and the killing
of eight others by the Hezbollah militia, the Armenian Foreign
Ministry said Israel should stop its air strikes against civilian
targets in Lebanon.

"Armenia condemns any violence whether it be abduction or use of
force," the ministry said in a statement. "We particularly denounce
the use of such disproportionate force intended solely to collectively
punish civilians and damage infrastructure. This kind of reaction
by Israel is particularly difficult to understand given the fact
that the Lebanese government has clearly distanced itself from the
abduction incident."

"We hope that there will be restraint in the region and also hope there
will be an immediate ceasefire so that the issues can be addressed
by peaceful means," added the statement.

Israel launched a widespread bombing campaign in Lebanon and tightened
an air, sea and land blockade of its northern neighbor in response to
Hezbollah’s deadly cross-border attack on its troops. More than 60
civilians in Lebanon and two in Israel have been killed in the worst
bout of fighting since Israel ended its occupation of south Lebanon
six years ago

Israeli air raids on Beirut international airport have disrupted
Lebanon’s air communication with the rest of the world, leaving
thousands of travelers to and from the country stranded in the
region. Among them was Lebanese Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh, who
was returning from a visit to Armenia and – like many – was forced
to make his way home through Syria.

Salloukh’s official visit to Yerevan highlighted warm relations
existing between Armenia and Lebanon and other Arab states that have
large and affluent Armenian communities. Armenians have for decades
been represented in the Lebanese government and parliament. The
country’s President Emile Lahoud is half Armenian.

Israel’s "disproportionate use of force" was criticized on Friday
by Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja of Finland, which now holds
the European Union’s rotating presidency. French President Jacques
Chirac likewise said the Israeli military campaign is "completely
disproportionate," while blasting Hezbollah for its "irresponsible"
stance.

Israel’s actions, however, were effectively justified by U.S.
President George W. Bush who said the Jewish state "has the right to
defend herself."

(AP-Photolur photo: A Lebanese family cross the river to reach their
village, after Israeli warplanes attacked and damaged the Khardaleh
bridge near Marjayoun village in south Lebanon on Thursday.)