Lahoud: Lebanon ended ‘myth of Israel’s indestructible army’
Deutsche Presse-Agentur | Sep 17, 2006, 19:00 GMT
Havana – Lebanese President Emile Lahoud said Saturday in Havana that Lebanon has shattered what he termed ‘the myth of Israel’s invincible army.’
‘Lebanese resistance has once again put an end to the myth of Israel’s invincible army and proves that the culture of fight and resistance is the only way to gain sovereignty, liberty and dignity,’ Lahoud told heads of state and government gathered in Havana for the 14th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Lahoud accused Israel of violating ‘each and every one’ of the clauses of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which formed the basis for the August 14 ceasefire that ended 33 days of fighting between Israel and the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah.
According to Lahoud, a delay in the implementation of Resolution 1701 ‘will only propel the forces of instability and endanger the peace in the Middle East.’
Lahoud warned in Havana that lasting peace in the region is only possible through the ‘full application of all relevant UN resolutions’ including the return to Israel of Palestinian refugees, historically one of the most contentious issues in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
Before a largely sympathetic, anti-US audience in Havana, Lahoud went on to blast United States support for Israel during the recent conflict and the ‘silence’ of a large part of the international community.
‘The arrogance of Israel is complemented and sometimes supported by the bias of the United States and some Western powers. Israel has built for itself a niche in which it is the only country in the Middle East or even in the world which acts in total disregard for international principles and rules of conduct,’ Lahoud said.
The NAM summit was to conclude Saturday.
© 2006 dpa – Deutsche Presse-Agentur :: reproduced at M&C
Recent Comments