PRESS RELEASE No. 37
16 July 2006
India concerned over escalating tensions at the Israel-Lebanon border
India is seriously
concerned over the escalating tensions in West Asia as a result of developments
on the Israel-Lebanese border since 12 July 2006, which have the potential to
inflame the region further and widen the conflict. India condemns the abduction
of two Israeli soldiers on 12 July 2006, by Lebanese militants and calls for
their immediate release. India equally strongly condemns the excessive and
disproportionate military retaliation by Israel which has targeted civilian
infrastructure, including Beirut airport and is particularly concerned about the
actions taken by the Israeli Defence Forces, which resulted in the killing and
suffering of innocent civilians, including women and children that is likely to
exacerbate an already tense situation.
India calls upon all parties
concerned to eschew violence, de-escalate the situation, and return to the path
of negotiations. It is India’s firm conviction that lasting peace and security
in the region, which is in the interest of not only the countries of the region
but of the whole world, can be achieved only through peaceful dialogue and not
through use of force.
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