Israel to Libya: UN ignoring kidnapped soldiers
Less than a day after Libya takes over rotating presidency of UN Security Council, it already receives letter of protest from Israel as Ambassador Gillerman slams decision to disregard status of abducted in briefing
WASHINGTON – The Israeli mission to the United Nations protested on Wednesday the stinging absence of kidnapped Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev from a briefing held on December 21st. Ambassador Dan Gillerman issued a letter to newly instated Security Council President
Giadalla Ettalhi of Libya on his first day in office and questioned why the abducted soldiers were ignored in a briefing titled ' Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.'
"Though the briefing rightfully informed the Council that the 'Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is spending his nineteenth month in captivity in Gaza,' it neglected to mention that Corporal Shalit has been denied any contact with the outside world, including visits from humanitarian and medical organizations like the Red Cross," wrote Gillerman.
"Similarly, the briefing omitted the kidnapped Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, abducted by Hizbullah terrorists in an unprovoked cross-border attack on 12 July 2006, which also resulted in the killing of three other soldiers.
"The international community must be made aware of this severe situation, particularly as the conditions and whereabouts of the kidnapped soldiers remains unknown. The Red Cross must be allowed to visit the soldiers, and access should be granted to ensure their medical attention and treatment. Information regarding their health conditions and sign of life must be given as well.
"The denial of contact between the soldiers and the outside world is wholly unacceptable, and in contravention to international law."
Gillerman asked Ettalhi to share the letter with the Security Council. An identical letter was also sent to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.
