Lebanese Envoy Urges Philippines To Support Cease-Fire
Komfie Manalo - All Headline News Foreign Correspondent Makati City, Philippines (AHN) - The top Lebanese envoy in the Philippines on Wednesday asked the Arroyo Administration to support international calls for an immediate cease-fire in his embattled country. In an interview over ABS-CBN, Honorary Consul General Joseph F.K. Assad also called for humanitarian aid for his countrymen after Israeli troops on Tuesday announced an expanded offensive against Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. He said in the interview, "The world community has to step in. We want a peace agreement with our neighbors regarding the new conflict. These massacres must stop." "Lebanon has not fired a single shot on Israel," he added. "It is a victim in this war." Assad said at least 800 civilians have been killed since Israel started its offensive three weeks ago after Hezbollah guerrillas seized two Israeli soldiers during a cross-border raid last July 12. But the Lebanese official is not likely to have a quick response from the Philippine government. The Arroyo administration is close to the U.S. and is expected to echo Washington's position with regards to the resolution of conflict in the region. The U.S. is not supporting a quick cease-fire and insisted Israel has the right to defend itself. Insiders say the Arroyo government will take the same position. "The Israeli soldiers are probably still alive but the 800 are a |
