Beijing Demands Apology From Israel For The Death Of UN Worker
Komfie Manalo - All Headline News Foreign Correspondent Beijing, China (AHN) - China has summoned Israel's ambassador in Beijing to demand apology for the death of a Chinese United Nations observer when an Israeli warplane hit a UN outpost in Khiam, Lebanon. The air strikes also killed three other UN observers. Foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said China strongly condemns the air strike. He said, "The Chinese side is deeply shocked and strongly condemns this. It had killed many innocent victims." State media Xinhua News Agency said the Chinese victim Du Zhaoyu, was one of 180 Chinese officers, soldiers and observers detailed in Labanon as part of the UN peacekeeping mission. Beijing has summoned Israeli ambassador Yehouada Haim Wednesday morning for an "emergency" meeting to discuss the incident. Liu said Haim was told by the Chinese government, "The Chinese side ... demands that the Israeli side open a comprehensive investigation, apologize to the Chinese side and the victim's family and help the Chinese side in carrying out the mourning activities." He said the ambassador offered his country's apologies and pledged Israel would carry out a full investigation. In a statement which stunned Israel and its allies, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan condemned the strike that killed the UN personnel and hinted the attack may have been deliberate. Annan said, "I am shocked and deeply distressed by the appar |
