August 4, 2006

A MESSAGE TO THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES FROM PRESIDENT MUBARAK ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE REGION. MUBARAK WARNS FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DETERIORATION OF THE PEACE PROCESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THE SULTANATE OF OMAN CONDEMNS THE ISRAELI MASSACRE IN QANA. BERRI WARNS THE UNITED NATIONS FROM THE DANGERS OF DRIVING SOUTHERNERS FROM THEIR HOMES. SAAD AL-HARIRI CONTINUES HIS INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE A CEASE-FIRE AND HOLDS ALL THOSE WHO ENCOURAGE THE ISRAELI AGGRESSION RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF LEBANON. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz received a message from Egypt's President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak dealing with the current situations and developments in the region. The message was handed over to Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister during his meeting with Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit. They also discussed the latest developments in the region within the framework of continual contacts and consultations between the two brotherly countries. Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit discussed with his Saudi counterpart Prince Saud al-Faisal the latest regional developments in light of the Israeli escalation of operations in Lebanon and the Qana massacre. Talks also covered the suffering of the Lebanese and Palestinian people in light of the ongoing killings and destruction of installations. Egyptian foreign minister Ahmad Abul-Gheit arrived in Jeddah, he was welcomed at King Abdul aziz International Airport by Prince Saud al-Faisal, the foreign minister, and a number of senior officials. In statements to diplomatic editors after his return from Saudi Arabia, Abul-Gheit said that he conveyed a message from President Hosni Mubarak to King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz. He said that Egyptian-Saudi viewpoints were identical on the importance of reaching an immediate ceasefire. The idea of forming an international force or expanding the UNIFIL must be acceptable to the international community and the Lebanese government, Abul-Gheit said. Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit sent verbal messages on to foreign ministers of the European Union member states, within the framework of Egypt's efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon. He urged the European officials to back Egypt's call for a ceasefire and an immediate end to military operations, especially after Qana massacre. Abul-Gheit's messages came one day ahead of the European Union Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels to discuss the deteriorating conditions in Lebanon. Spokesman for the Foreign, Ministry Alaa Al Hadidi, said that Abul-Gheit discussed this morning with the Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja whose country is the current president of the European Union, means to take a firm stance to stop the military offensive against Lebanon and end the suffering of the Lebanese people. On the other hand President Hosni Mubarak warned against the consequences of peace process deterioration resulting from the Israeli aggressive practices. The President stressed that the recent conflict unveils the dire need for reviving the peace process on all planes with full awareness of the situation and its repercussion on world stability and security. In his speech to the nation on the Israeli aggression on Lebanon, Mubarak highlighted Egypt's efforts supporting the Lebanese people and factions without discrimination. Egypt calls for respecting Lebanon self rule and unity and urging an immediate ceasefire and unconditional halt of the Israeli assault on Lebanon's people and infrastructure. The President has ordered the foreign minister to intensify efforts within regional and international frameworks and follow up the recent move at the UN Security Council and voice clearly Egypt's stance as to the Israeli aggression on Lebanon. He added that the heinous massacre against innocent civilians in Qana is a witness on Israel's s severe violation of the international law which brought the whole situation to a doomed abyss. Mubarak asserted that Egypt condemns the massacre by all means and calls for a quick international investigation to force Israel to shoulder its responsibility. Following is the text of the speech Fellow-citizens, As I am talking to you now, the Israeli aggression on Lebanon is still going, exceeding all red lines targeting the people of Lebanon as well as its infrastructure and violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The heinous carnage against innocent civilians in Qana is a witness of the flagrant violation by Israel of the international law and the slipping of its aggression on Lebanon into perilous grounds. Egypt strongly condemns this heinous carnage and calls for an urgent international investigation to unveil its circumstances to hold Israel responsible for this heinous aggression. Egypt equally condemns the consequences of the ongoing Israeli aggression, leaving behind large number of martyrs and injured people and displacing hundreds of thousands of Lebanese people. I had warned at the outbreak of the crisis of its grave repercussions on the security and stability of the Middle East and the world. I confirmed that the Israeli aggression was not the way to deal with the current crisis and that there was a dire and urgent need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire that would open the door for international efforts to end the crisis and address its causes. Egypt expresses its regret and concern for the failure to reach an immediate ceasefire. The Rome meeting last week failed to reach this goal. So did the Security Council also fail to promptly and effectively address the Israeli aggression and to take up its responsibility for maintaining world peace and security. This default and failure to act only reflect the fundamental imbalances in the collective security system represented by the United Nations and the inefficiency of the current deficiency of the world order. Egypt has repeatedly warned against this and called for its correction. The fact that the Israeli aggression on Lebanon was launched concomitantly with a similar aggression on the Palestinian people in the occupied territories proves that the fact that the deadlock of the peace process was the core and the crux of the problem. This underscores the need to reconsider the course of the peace efforts and to honestly assess the causes of their deadlock and failures. The current crisis also underlines the urgent need to revive the peace process on all tracks through serious efforts, cognizant of the gravity of the situation in the Middle East and its implications for the security and stability of the region and the world as a whole. Egypt that had launched the peace process warns that its collapse could have grave consequences and that the Israeli aggression could undermine chances of its continuation and success. Egypt will sustain its efforts to support Lebanon and its people with all their sects without discrimination. Egypt calls for respecting the country's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of its people. It also calls for an immediate and unconditional halt of the Israeli aggression on people of Lebanon, its gains and infrastructure. We will pursue in our moves and contacts with all the regional and international parties to stop this aggression. I have given my instructions to the Foreign Minister to intensify efforts at both regional and international levels, to follow up the ongoing move of the United Nations and to strongly and clearly voice Egypt's constant stance on the Israeli aggression on Lebanon. Similar instructions were given to continue effective contributions to meet urgent needs of the government and people of Lebanon and underscore Egypt's readiness to make available all its capacities for reconstructing the facilities, utilities and infrastructure ravaged by the Israeli aggression. Fellow-citizens, The people of Egypt have always been, and will always remain, a buttress to its nation. I call upon every Egyptian to contribute to pooling the required support for the brotherly people of Lebanon. Thus, the government and people of Egypt can stand shoulder to shoulder with this people in their current ordeal and to back and help them with the reconstruction process. May Allah preserve Lebanon and its people. May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon you. In Makkah the secretariat general of Makkah-based Muslim World League (MWL) has condemned the war launched by Israel against Lebanon. A statement issued by the MWL's secretary general Dr Abdullah al-Turki said the MWL, which has been following up the developments of the situation in Lebanon, calls on behalf of the Muslim nations, organizations and centres, for an immediate ceasefire. The statement deplored killing of civilians, including children and women, and destruction of properties. The statement said the MWL has been receiving contacts from the Islamic institutions, centres and societies throughout the world calling for ending the war and resorting to peaceful means in line with the international law, and urging the UN and the influential countries to exert urgent efforts for the salvation of the Lebanese people. Underscoring the importance of solidarity with the Lebanese people, the statement urged the Muslim countries to extend relief assistance to Lebanon. In Riyadh the Saudi Human Rights Society has condemned the Israeli barbaric attacks against the Lebanese people. In a statement issued, the society said 'we would like to condemn the Israeli barbaric aggression against Lebanon which led to the killing of civilians and destruction of infrastructure installations.' The society said the massacre which had recently taken place in Qana, Lebanon, was a real disaster and a flagrant challenge to the entire world. The society viewed the aggression as a violation to the principals of the UN and human rights, notably to Geneva agreement pertaining to the protection of civilians. The society reiterated its call on all international and regional institutions, notably the UN, the European Union and the Arab League, to take the appropriate measures for ending this vicious aggression being launched against innocent people. Meanwhile the Sultanate of Oman condemned the massacre committed by Israel in Qana and the tragedies and calamities which affect innocent civilians, their possessions and means of living and the infrastructure and vital establishments in various regions in Lebanon and Palestine. An official source at the Foreign Ministry said the first step to be taken was to resort to reason and logic to immediately stop the use of military force and the killings, stressing the need that the international community shouldered its responsibilities by taking political measures to correct the whole situation and tackle the reasons behind this situation and eradicate them in a fair way which takes into account the importance of applying equitable criterion and based on the international legitimacy and the relevant laws and resolutions. This statement comes in line with the Sultanate's continued calls to settle issues and crises peacefully and to avoid escalation of armed conflicts in order to safeguard the international security and peace. The Sultanate extended its heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families of victims of the ongoing military actions. The United Nations Security Council unanimously voted in favor of extending the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for one month in light of the current fighting in Lebanon. Although typically the mandate would be extended six months, and this was requested by the Lebanese charge' d'affaires, the Council said it had shortened the extension because "UNIFIL has been impeded to carry out its activities effectively." The resolution urged all parties to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other U.N. personnel. Last week Israeli forces bombed unarmed observers in a well-marked UNIFIL position in southern Lebanon last week, which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers. In related news, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan delayed a meeting that was to determine which nations would contribute troops to a possible multi-national force to secure southern Lebanon. Expressing "extreme shock and distress" at the Israeli Defence Forces' shelling of a residential building in southern Lebanon, the United Nations Security Council called for "an end to violence", and vowed to begin work immediately on a resolution that would lead to a lasting settlement of the crisis, drawing on diplomatic efforts already under way. "The Security Council expresses its concern at the threat of escalation of violence, with further grave consequences for the humanitarian situation and underscores the urgency of securing a lasting, permanent and sustainable ceasefire," said Jean-Marc de La Sablière of France, which holds the rotating presidency of the 15-nation body this month, reading out an agreed statement (S/PRST/2006/35) in a formal meeting that capped a day of intense negotiations to formulate a response to last night's Israeli air strike on the Lebanese village of Qana, which had killed more than 50 people. The Council's reaction followed an emergency meeting, at which Secretary-General Kofi Annan had warned that its "authority and standing" were at stake if it did not act quickly to end the weeks-long violence between Israel and Hezbollah. In his briefing to the Council, Mr. Annan said the most urgent need now was to bring the fighting to a halt without further delay. "For that, this Council has a solemn responsibility," he added, reiterating his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow humanitarian relief to reach the victims. The Council's statement strongly deplored the loss of innocent lives and the killing of civilians in the present conflict, and requested the Secretary-General to report on the circumstances of the tragic incident within one week. "The Security Council expresses again its utmost concern at the Lebanese and Israeli civilian casualties and human suffering, the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and the increased number of internally displaced persons," the Council President said in the statement, urging all parties to grant immediate access to humanitarian assistance. The Council also deplored any action against United Nations personnel and called for full respect for the safety and security of all United Nations personnel and premises. The full text reads as follows: "The Security Council expresses its extreme shock and distress at the shelling by the Israeli Defense Forces of a residential building in Qana, in southern Lebanon, which has caused the killing of dozens of civilians, mostly children, and injured many others. The Security Council sends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Lebanese people. "The Security Council strongly deplores this loss of innocent lives and the killing of civilians in the present conflict, and requests the Secretary-General to report to it within one week on the circumstances of this tragic incident. "The Security Council expresses its concern at the threat of escalation of violence, with further grave consequences for the humanitarian situation, calls for an end to violence, and underscores the urgency of securing a lasting, permanent and sustainable ceasefire. "The Security Council expresses again its utmost concern at the Lebanese and Israeli civilian casualties and human suffering, the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and the increased number of internally displaced persons. "The Security Council urges all parties to grant immediate and unlimited access to humanitarian assistance. "The Security Council deplores any action against United Nations personnel, and calls for full respect for the safety and security of all United Nations personnel and premises. "The Security Council affirms its determination to work without any further delay to adopt a resolution for a lasting settlement of the crisis, drawing on diplomatic efforts underway. "The Security Council remains seized of the matter." On the other hand the Lebanese speaker Nabih Berri said Israel's temporary restraint was only intended to drive Southerners from their homes ahead of an even greater attack. The decision was also intended to defuse international resentment against Israel's attacks and quiet mounting calls for a cease-fire, Berri said in a telegram sent to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. In Jeddah the Jordanian King Abdullah II received the head of the Future Bloc MP Saad Al-Hariri. Head of the Future bloc in Parliament MP Saad Hariri held talks with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos in Larnaca on the transfer of humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Lebanon through a naval corridor, and the ongoing Israeli aggressions against the country. MP Hariri, who also met Cypriot Foreign Minister Giorgos Lillikas, hailed the support of Cyprus and its role in transferring aid to Lebanon and providing transportation routes to the country. MP Hariri had also praised Kuwait's backing. In a statement, head of the Future bloc welcomed the Kuwaiti cabinet's decision to offer 320 million dollars in reconstruction aid to Lebanon, and a 500 million dollar deposit in the Central Bank. He highlighted Kuwait's constant backing of Lebanon, including its role in ending the 1975-1990 civil war and in bringing about peace and stability to Lebanon. The Head of the Future bloc in Parliament MP Saad Hariri called for international pressure on Israel to stop its offensive against Lebanon and to reach a final settlement that will end all wars. In a series of interviews with Lebanese and Arab television stations, MP Hariri reiterated his strong condemnation of Israeli attacks on civilians, especially the latest massacre in Qana, which he described as a war crime. Highlighting national unity in the face of Israel's aggression, head of the Future bloc told the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya TV that the Lebanese have been paying, with blood, a heavy price during this war and urged an immediate and unconditional cease-fire. He said the international community should move quickly to stop attacks by Israel, which is a "criminal and terrorist state" that is using all its military might against civilians. He stressed that "talk is no longer enough," in response to US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice's reaction to the Qana massacre. Asked if Israel's is pursuing a scorched earth policy, MP Hariri said Israel has been wreaking havoc on Lebanon since the beginning of the war, but vowed that the Lebanese will remain united and defeat attempts to sow discord among them. He made clear that the country will be reconstructed, and hailed coordination with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and House Speaker Nabih Berri. He also told Al-Arabiya if Israel wants peace, it should stop its war and accept a settlement with international guarantees. MP Hariri also pointed out that the Future Movement will file lawsuits against Israel for its killings and destruction, and said Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert should stand trial for war crimes. He reiterated that Israel is the enemy of all the Lebanese, and that Lebanon is a free and an independent Arab country that will resist any aggression, adding all wars against Lebanon should stop through a final settlement. In another interview with NBN Television, head of the Future bloc said the Qana massacre over the weekend not only targeted innocent children and the elderly, but also the handicapped who were seeking shelter. He said Israel is "burning" Lebanon as the world watches, and called on Arabs and the international community to apply pressure on Washington and Israel to unconditionally end the war. Head of the Future bloc later told the Doha-based Al-Jazeera TV that Saudi Arabia wants an end to the aggression, and that all Arabs are united in opposing Israel's military campaigns against the Palestinian and Lebanese people. He highlighted the need to steer clear away from inter-Lebanese and inter-Arab divisions, not to serve Israeli interests. Addressing the Lebanese who have been bearing the brunt of Israeli attacks, MP Hariri told Al-Manar TV the entire country is united behind them and warned against any divisions, citing the unified stance of the government, Parliament and the people against the Israeli aggression. He also stressed that the Lebanese should live in security and that the victories of the resistance should help achieve an immediate cease-fire. In Beirut President Emile Lahoud praised the Lebanese army on the 61st anniversary of its foundation. In Washington U.S. President George W. Bush said that any cease-fire achieved in the Middle East must be "sustainable." Speaking to Cuban-American business leaders in Miami, Florida, Bush said he planned to meet with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice later today, when she returns from the Middle East. "We want there to be a long-lasting peace, one that is sustainable," Bush said. "I'll speak to Condi Rice when she gets back tonight, talk about what she saw, what she heard in the Middle East," Bush added. "And, of course, there will be a way forward in the Security Council later this week." The president said that he "assured the people here that we will work toward a plan at the United Nations Security Council that addresses the root causes of the problem, so that whatever comes out of the Security Council will be able to last and that the people of Lebanon and Israel will be able to remain in peace. That's what we want." In San Francisco the British Prime Minister Tony Blair said world leaders must apply "maximum pressure" to bring about a UN resolution for a sustainable ceasefire in the Middle East. His comments came during a visit to San Francisco after intensive telephone talks with US President George W Bush and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It comes after an Israeli air strike killed more than 50 in south Lebanon.