Lebanon ‘will only negotiate with UN’
Lebanese Information Minister Aridi tells reporters his country will not hold direct talks with Israel, only with United Nations; Aridi adds plea: At this rate Lebanese nation liable to be destroyed
No diplomatic solution from Lebanon yet: After Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora Saturday night proclaimed willingness to deploy forces across Lebanon’s sovereign territory in coordination with the United Nations in return for an Israeli cease fire, Lebanese Information Minister Ghazi Aridi countered Sunday that it was not yet time to negotiate with Israel.
At a special press conference Sunday afternoon, Aridi was asked whether the Lebanese government had the authority to negotiate on the conditions set by Israel to halt the offensive in Lebanon, or whether that authority was rather in the hands of Hizbullah. Aridi responded that the Lebanese government could negotiate as it wished, but “we have not yet reached the stage of negotiations, and we will hold them only with the UN and not directly with Israel.”
Aridi revealed that PM Siniora was continuing contacts with international officials and was slated to meet with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who has expressed his displeasure with Israel’s actions. Aridi added that two delegations were expected to arrive in Lebanon soon, one headed by EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana and another dispatched by the UN.
Aridi sharply censured Israel’s offensive, adding that the Lebanese nation was liable to be destroyed. The Lebanese government called on public schools to open their gates to receive refugees who fled their homes due to the Israeli strikes. Aridi also noted that Saudi Arabia pledged USD 50 million as emergency aid to Lebanon.
Israel continues strikes
Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force offensive was continuing against Hizbullah strongholds in southern Beirut and south Lebanon. IAF aircraft struck a number of neighborhoods in the Haret Hreik neighborhood in the “Security Square,” a Hizbullah stronghold in southern Beirut. It was the ninth Israeli attack Sunday, according to Arab media reports.
Simultaneously, the IAF targeted the town of al-Hiam, as well as the home of senior Hizbullah leader Sheikh Nabil Kaouk in south Lebanon. Five people were killed in the strike, including four children, although it was not reported whether Kaouk was at the scene during the strike.
It was further reported that three people were killed when the IDF bombed Jibsheet in south Lebanon, in addition to other casualties Sunday. As the situation in Lebanon grew graver, the Red Crescent called on Lebanese residents to donate blood owing to shortages.
