PRESS RELEASE No. 53

17 August 2006

India welcomes UN Security Council resolution 1701 regarding Lebanon

    India welcomes the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1701 regarding Lebanon. It is encouraging that the governments of Lebanon and Israel as well as Hezbollah have accepted it and have agreed to a ceasefire which has come into effect. India calls upon all parties to continue to observe the ceasefire and take advantage of this opportunity to prevent further bloodshed and disruption as well as to take steps to enable urgently needed humanitarian relief to reach the affected parties and the areas, and thereby alleviate the suffering of people of both sides which is a priority task. India also hopes that the cessation of hostilities will lead to a full and durable ceasefire, a release of prisoners, and urgent steps towards a lasting and comprehensive political solution to the problems between Israel and Lebanon and of the region as a whole.

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