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Photo: AP
Arab states back Israeli offensive?
Photo: AP

Qatar accuses some Arab states of backing Israel

Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh al-Thani tells Al Jazeera television he is surprised at 'Arab agreement for Israel to end Hizbullah presence'; declines to specify which countries he refers to

Qatar's foreign minister on Monday accused some Arab states of supporting the Israeli offensive on Lebanon to dismantle Hizbullah.

 

Speaking to Al Jazeera television, Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr al-Thani, whose country is a major US ally and has low-level ties with Israel, declined to name any country.

 

"I am surprised at the Arab agreement ... for Israel to end this issue and end the presence of Hizbullah in this region. There was more or less agreement from some Arab states that Israel completes its mission before a ceasefire," he said.

 

"I think they were thinking of the Lebanon's general interest but forgot the Arab general interest and their citizens. Some have changed their views, which is good."

 

"This doesn't mean we that we agree with all what took place from Hizbullah, or Hamas or others ... But it would be strange to allow the completion of this mission," He said.

 

Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have criticized Hizbullah for sparking the fighting by capturing two Israeli soldiers earlier this month to exchange for Arab prisoners in Israeli jails.

 

But facing outrage and protest at home against Israel's conduct, they have since taken a tougher stance, warning Washington that Israeli militarism could lead to a wider conflict in the region.

 

Sheikh Hamad said the way to solve the crisis in Lebanon and other conflicts in the Middle East was through direct talks between Arab states and Israel.

 

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 08.01.06, 03:24
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