Olmert Rejects Annan's Appeal Over Lifting Blockade
Jacob Cherian - All Headline News Staff Writer Beijing, China (AHN) - Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert on Wednesday, threw out a request from U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan to lift air and sea blockades from Lebanon at a joint news conference. Olmert rejected Annan by saying that the cease-fire, U.N. security Council resolution 1701, needs to be executed completely: "The international community must not divert its attention [until that happens]." Olmert told xinhuaonline, "The (resolution) is a fixed buffet and everything will be implemented, including the lifting of the blockade, as part of the entire implementation of the different articles." Kofi Annan is in Jerusalem after a stop in Lebanon, attempting to solidify a two-week cease-fire that ended a 34-day conflict between Israel and Lebanese militants Hezbollah. Annan told xinhuaonline, "It (lifting blockade) is important not only because of the economic effect it is having on the country but it is also important to strengthen the democratic government of Lebanon with which Israel has repeatedly said it had no problems." Following meetings with Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz, the U.N. secretary General said that he would like to double the number of U.N. troops to 5,000 in south Lebanon, ensuring Israeli troop withdrawal from the area. Referring to the suggestion, Olmert replied, "Israel will pull out of Lebanon once the resolution is implemented |
