Lebanon PM demands ceasefire, appeals for aid
Following Israel's military pressure on Lebanon, Fouad Siniora tells reporters, 'we'll work to extend state's authority over all its territories, in cooperation with United Nations in south Lebanon'; adds 'Lebanon is last to know what is happening, but first to pay price'
"We call for an immediate ceasefire backed by the United Nations," Siniora said in a televised message to the nation. "I declare today that Lebanon is a disaster zone in need of a comprehensive and speedy Arab plan ... and (it) pleads to its friends in the world to rush to its aid."
Dozens of people, most of them civilians, have died in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since Hizbullah guerrillas captured two Israeli soldiers and killed eight on Wednesday. Four civilians have been killed by Hizbullah rockets in northern Israel since.
The Israel Air Force's strikes have caused great damages to Lebanese infrastructures – bridges were bombed, naval ports and airports were completely destroyed, and buildings in the Lebanese capital were ruined.
In his speech, the Lebanese prime minister again tried to renounce his government's responsibility of what was taking place in Lebanon. He implicitly hinted that he accepts Israel's stance and that his government plans to work to deploy its army on all the country's territory – a move which Hizbullah has opposed so far.
'A disaster zone.' Beirut on fire (Photo: Reuters)
"The government declared from the beginning that it did not know about the kidnapping operation in advance. Israel has no right to destroy Lebanon. Lebanon cannot fulfill its role if it is the last to know what is happening, but the first to pay the price," the desperate prime minister said.
'Israel responsible for the humanitarian disaster'
Without saying the explicit words, Siniora drew a clear red line opposite Hizbullah, saying that "the state is the only legitimate element for decisions of war and peace. We will face this war united, all of us together."
"We are facing a lot of aggressiveness. We won't hesitate and will not hesitate and give in to this aggressiveness and will use all means against it. I would like to note that the government made a decision in its latest meeting, according to which it will protect its citizens, and that its right and duty is to deploy its sovereignty on all its territory," he said, again hinting at Hizbullah.
"We call (for) ... work to extend the state's authority over all its territories, in cooperation with the United Nations in south Lebanon," A visibly emotional Siniora said.
The UN maintains a peacekeeping force in south Lebanon where Hizbullah is active.
"We see Israel responsible for the humanitarian disaster taking place in Lebanon. I declare from here that Lebanon is a battered country which needs a quick international Arab aid plan," Siniora added.
Reuters contributed to the report
