Cablegate: Damascus Media Reaction: Israeli Operations in Lebanon,

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UNCLAS DAMASCUS 003481

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR PA, NEA/ARN, INR/IC/CD, INR/S:STHIBEAULT AND
JMCCARTER, VOA NEWS CA, NEA/PPD:CBOURGEOIS, DBENZE AND
AFERNANDEZ, IIP/G/NEA-SA RWINCHESTER
WHITE HOUSE FOR NSC
CENTCOM FOR CCPA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR PREL KPAO OPRC SY
SUBJECT: Damascus Media Reaction: Israeli Operations in Lebanon,
Palestinian Territories (7/14-17)
1. Summary: Syrian papers focused on the tense situation in
Lebanon. All papers reported a statement by Hassan Nasrallah,
Hizbollah's Secretary General, saying that the resistance is

ready for "an open war" against Israel, announcing that the
resistance fighters had set fire to an Israeli warship off the
coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war.
We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by
telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people
who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The
surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the
middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has
pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look
at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist
soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah
also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not
say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond
Haifa."
Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad
and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli
aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's
solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at
the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it.
Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency
meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign
Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli
onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well
as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab
Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against
Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity
with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their
struggle against the aggression. They called on the international
community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their
responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression
and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese
people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of
people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the
Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the
main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned
against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli
aggression against the Palestinian territories and the
neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of
Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in
Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of
the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN
Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab-
Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after
Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the
comprehensive peace process in the region.

The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic
Conference, Ekmeleddin Ihsan Uglo, has strongly condemned the
Israeli aggression against Lebanon, stressing that such an act
violates all human laws. In an urgent message sent to the UN
Secretary General, Ihsan Uglo expressed deep regret over the

SIPDIS
dangerous escalation in Lebanese territory. He called on Kofi
Annan to consider the Israeli raids on Lebanese civilians as a
factor that would undermine all the efforts that have been made
to find a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict and to the
Palestinian tragedy. He called on Annan to intervene and put an
end to the current escalation of Israeli killing, which is
shedding the blood of Lebanese civilians.

Spanish Premier Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has called on Israel
to halt immediately its aggressive acts in Lebanon and Gaza. In a
broadcast interview on Friday, Zapatero said that there is a
difference between a full counter-offensive against Lebanon and
legitimate defense, expressing regret over the military
escalation that is setting us back scores of years. He expressed
the belief that Israel is wrong in its full response on Gaza and
Lebanon, which will lead to fuelling up violence in the Middle
East. Zapatero called for a return to the spirit of the Madrid
Conference on the Middle East, and called upon the superpowers to
be firm toward Israel.

Headlines reported that President Asad received a telephone call
from Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi which also focused on
the Israeli aggression against Lebanon.

coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war.
We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by
telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people
who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The
surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the
middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has
pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look
at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist
soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah
also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not
say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond
Haifa."
Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad
and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli
aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's
solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at
the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it.
Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency
meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign
Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli
onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well
as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab
Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against
Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity
with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their
struggle against the aggression. They called on the international
community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their
responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression
and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese
people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of
people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the
Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the
main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned
against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli
aggression against the Palestinian territories and the
neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of
Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in
Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of
the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN
Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab-
Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after
Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the
comprehensive peace process in the region.

End of summary.

2. Selected Headlines:

"A new Qana massacre in Marwahin. Israel's terrorist war-machine
perpetrates hideous massacres in South Lebanon. Israel shells
ports and the southern suburbs. The national resistance strikes
deep in Israel. AL SecGen Mousa announces death of the peace
process" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16)

"President Asad confirms to President Lahoud Syria's solidarity
with Lebanon and that Syria places its capabilities at Lebanon's
disposal" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16)

"A Syrian official source denies that any Syrian military posts
have been exposed to any Israeli shelling or attack" (Government-
owned Tishreen, 7/16)

"The People's Assembly denounces the Israeli aggression, confirms
full solidarity with Lebanon and the resistance, and calls for
adoption of deterrent Arab and international measures against
Israel" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16)

"Foreign Minister al-Mouallem warns against any Arab statements
that might serve Israel in its aggression: We proved to the world
that Israel is rejecting and evading peace requirements.
Arab Foreign Ministers call on the international community to

coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war.
We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by
telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people
who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The
surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the
middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has
pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look
at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist
soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah
also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not
say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond
Haifa."
Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad
and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli
aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's
solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at
the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it.
Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency
meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign
Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli
onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well
as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab
Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against
Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity
with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their
struggle against the aggression. They called on the international
community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their
responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression
and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese
people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of
people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the
Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the
main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned
against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli
aggression against the Palestinian territories and the
neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of
Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in
Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of
the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN
Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab-
Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after
Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the
comprehensive peace process in the region.

shoulder responsibilities" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16)

"The Pentagon plans to strengthen the Israeli strategic fuel
storage for warplanes" (Government-owned Tishreeen, 7/16)

"Angry reactions to the Israeli aggression on Lebanon; Spanish PM
Zapatero: Let's stop this madness immediately" (Government-owned
Tishreen, 7/16)

"Germany stresses Syria's important role and warns against the
dangers of a regional war" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16)

"Islamic Scholars Assembly denounces targeting of mosques in
Iraq. Two American soldiers killed in al-Sader city. Clashes
continue in Baghdad" (Government-owned Tishreen, 7/16)

"An Open War; Nasrallah: Victory is coming.... An Israeli warship
is sinking. The Lebanese Resistance repels attacks; Israel
escalates aggression against civilians and public facilities in
Beirut, Bekaa, and Southern Lebanon. Nasrallah: We will not be
the only ones to pay the price. Ha'aretz refutes the Israeli
army's report: The Israeli warship sustained immense damage"
(Government-owned Tishreen, 7/15)

"President Asad receives a phone call from Italian PM Prodi;
Talks focus on the Israeli attack against Lebanon" (Government-
owned Tishreen, 7/15)

coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war.
We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by
telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people
who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The
surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the
middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has
pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look
at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist
soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah
also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not
say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond
Haifa."
Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad
and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli
aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's
solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at
the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it.
Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency
meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign
Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli
onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well
as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab
Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against
Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity
with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their
struggle against the aggression. They called on the international
community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their
responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression
and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese
people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of
people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the
Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the
main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned
against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli
aggression against the Palestinian territories and the
neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of
Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in
Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of
the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN
Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab-
Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after
Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the
comprehensive peace process in the region.

"President Asad discusses the situation in Palestine and Lebanon
in a phone call with Ahmedinejad. Ahmedinejad: We stand by Syria
and support her in the face of all campaigns of pressure"
(Government-owned Al-Thawra, 7/14)

"The US vetoes a UNSC resolution denouncing Israeli offenses.
48 Lebanese martyred by Israeli aggression, 10 from the same
family; Hizbollah targets military sites, airports and Zionist
settlements. Extensive denunciation of the Israeli aggression and
Annan seeks a cool-down" (Government-owned Al-Thawra, 7/14)

3. Editorial Block Quotes:
----------------------------
"From Silence to Conspiracy"
----------------------------

Isam Dari, an editorialist in government-owned Tishreen,
editorialized (7/15): "This is not the first time in history that
horrendous massacres have been committed against civilians in our
region under the political cover of the superpowers which claim
to be defending human rights, freedom, security, and stability in
the world....
"The pictures of the dismembered bodies of children, who watered
the Lebanese soil with their chaste blood, did not awaken the
sentiments and consciences of the free world. On the contrary,
the US President blessed the criminal killers and announced that
Israel has the right to defend itself and blamed Syria for the
continuing Israeli crimes in Gaza and Lebanon....

coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war.
We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by
telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people
who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The
surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the
middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has
pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look
at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist
soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah
also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not
say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond
Haifa."
Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad
and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli
aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's
solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at
the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it.
Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency
meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign
Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli
onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well
as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab
Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against
Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity
with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their
struggle against the aggression. They called on the international
community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their
responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression
and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese
people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of
people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the
Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the
main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned
against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli
aggression against the Palestinian territories and the
neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of
Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in
Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of
the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN
Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab-
Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after
Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the
comprehensive peace process in the region.

"Killers of children, who violated human rights in Abu-Ghraib and
Hadithah and who provided protection for those who massacred a
family after raping one of its members, are unable to blame
killers of children in Palestine. The two are strategic allies in
evil and aggression and are committing the same deeds...."
----------------
"Self-Restraint"
-----------------
Dr. Nadiya Khost, an op-ed writer in government-owned Tishreen
commented (7/15): "Eighteen Palestinians and 47 Lebanese
civilians, including entire families, were killed in one day.
Nonetheless, the Lebanese and the Palestinians were asked to
exercise self-restraint....
"In this bloody carnival, the world's masters and their Israeli
allies, who are acting on their behalf, exhibit their bloody
achievements.... This carnival is intended to make us accept the
systematic massacres in Iraq, Palestine, and in Lebanon today,
thank the war criminals who have become heads of state, applaud
the racist Bolton, warn of the tolerant Hasan Nasrallah, believe
that Arab martyrs are terrorists and that the Israeli Apaches are
peaceful pigeons and the F-16 war jets are only toys to entertain
children...."
----------------------------------------

"Captive Soldiers and Hostage Positions"

----------------------------------------

coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war.
We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by
telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people
who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The
surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the
middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has
pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look
at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist
soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah
also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not
say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond
Haifa."
Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad
and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli
aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's
solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at
the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it.
Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency
meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign
Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli
onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well
as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab
Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against
Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity
with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their
struggle against the aggression. They called on the international
community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their
responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression
and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese
people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of
people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the
Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the
main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned
against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli
aggression against the Palestinian territories and the
neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of
Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in
Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of
the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN
Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab-
Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after
Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the
comprehensive peace process in the region.

Ahmad Hamadeh, an editorialist in government-owned Al-Thawra,
commented (7/14): "The identical positions by Washington, that
blatantly and unreservedly supports Israel and promotes its
aggression against Lebanese and Palestinians, and the UN, which
is supposed to be just, objective, and in harmony with
international law, raise more than one question about the role of
the international organization in achieving world peace and
security....

"What prompted this comment was a statement made by UN SecGen
Kofi Annan on the capture of the two Israeli soldiers by
Hizbollah. As soon as news agencies and world TV stations
reported the news, the White House issued a statement condemning
the operation and demanding their immediate release. Likewise, as
soon as the White House spokesman finished his remarks, UN SecGen
Kofi Annan hastened to take the same stand, demanding that the
Lebanese resistance immediately release the two captured
soldiers. The EU followed suit, using almost the same words....

"The UN has failed to issue a statement demanding the release of
thousands of Palestinian, Lebanese, and other Arab prisoners held
in Israeli jails. Likewise, the United Nations has failed to
issue a statement demanding a halt to Israel's barbaric attacks
against innocent civilians in Gaza and southern Lebanon, as if
the international organization has turned into a mere hostage to
US stands, wishes, and interests."

coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war.
We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by
telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people
who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The
surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the
middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has
pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look
at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist
soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah
also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not
say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond
Haifa."
Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad
and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli
aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's
solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at
the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it.
Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency
meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign
Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli
onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well
as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab
Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against
Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity
with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their
struggle against the aggression. They called on the international
community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their
responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression
and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese
people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of
people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the
Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the
main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned
against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli
aggression against the Palestinian territories and the
neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of
Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in
Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of
the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN
Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab-
Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after
Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the
comprehensive peace process in the region.

"How long will the world continue to turn a blind eye to Israeli
crimes...?"

--------------------------------------------- ---

"Aggression against Gaza, a Desperate Attempt
to Abort the National Palestinian Plan"

--------------------------------------------- ---

Adil Sawahah, in an op-ed in government-owned Al-Thawra, said
(7/14): "The governing Israeli elites have never abandoned their
opposition to any permanent peaceful settlement with
Palestinians, or with neighboring countries, for that matter....

The successive Israeli governing elites have always remained
hostage to the Zionist enterprise, which is based on emptying the
Palestinian territories, dissipating the Palestinian people's
energies, and paralyzing them. This is achieved only through
incessant pressure on these people to evict and displace them,
and by robbing them of their nationalist leaders who seek to
achieve Palestinian national goals and aspirations.

"As appears in Zionist documents and archives, keeping the
Palestinian people without leaders or elites that seek to realize
the Palestinian dream, is a strategic objective.

"This has been evident since the signing of the Oslo accords and

coast of Beirut. "You want an open war. We are going to open war.
We are ready for it" Nasrallah said, speaking to Al-Manar TV by
telephone. Nasrallah warned: "You have chosen war against people
who have brains, capacities and expertise," adding: "The
surprises that I have promised you will start now;" "Look to the
middle of the sea, facing Beirut, the Israeli warship that has
pounded the infrastructure, people's homes and civilians - look
at it burning. It will sink and with it scores of Israeli Zionist
soldiers." "This is just the beginning," he added. Nasrallah
also warned of additional attacks in Israel, noting: "We will not
say that we will bomb Haifa only; we will go beyond and beyond
Haifa."
Papers also reported a phone conversation between President Asad
and President Lahoud focusing on developments in the Israeli
aggression against Lebanon. President Asad expressed Syria's
solidarity with the Lebanese people, putting all capabilities at
the disposal of the Lebanese state to help it.
Papers also reported the Arab Foreign Ministers' emergency
meeting in Cairo with the participation of Syrian foreign
Minister Walid al-Muallim, focusing on the ongoing Israeli
onslaught against Lebanon and its dangerous consequences, as well
as the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories. Arab
Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli aggression against
Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity
with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and supported their
struggle against the aggression. They called on the international
community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their
responsibility by urging Israel to end its military aggression
and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian and Lebanese
people. On Lebanon, Arab Foreign Ministers stressed the right of
people to resist the occupation and aggression, and hailed the
Lebanese people's solidarity and national unity, which is the
main factor in facing the aggression. The Ministers warned
against dangerous repercussions of expansion of the Israeli
aggression against the Palestinian territories and the
neighboring Arab countries. They also demanded the release of
Palestinian Ministers and Legislators and the detainees in
Israeli jails and the exchange of prisoners in the framework of
the UN or through a third party. The Ministers called on the UN
Security Council to convene on a high level to discuss the Arab-
Israeli conflict in a radical and comprehensive way after
Israel's thwarting of all efforts towards the resumption of the
comprehensive peace process in the region.

the death of the late Palestinian President Yasir Arafat. The
same is now happening to the Palestinian Government following the
arrest of some of its members. This explains the Israeli attacks
on the Palestinian infrastructure.

"The Zionist plan targets the Palestinian Government to prevent
it from forging ahead toward the achievement of an independent
state and to eliminate the Palestinian people's national plan."

Seche

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