[Greens-Media] Sen. KERRY NETTLE: UN ceasefire deal welcome but Israel wrong to keep fighting until Cabinet meeting tomorrow

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

UN ceasefire deal welcome but Israel wrong to keep fighting until
Cabinet meeting tomorrow

12.08.06


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today addressed the second mass rally in
Sydney's CBD to condemn the devastating attack on Lebanon by Israel and
called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.

Senator Nettle welcomed the UN ceasefire resolution but condemned the
Israeli government's decision to keep attacking Lebanon for at least
another 48 hours. 

"Australians have desperately been calling out for our government to
support a ceasefire, but only now after a very slow United Nations
process has resulted in a ceasefire resolution are they willing to do
that.

"Israel's decision to continue with their offensive whist their cabinet
considers the UN resolution on Sunday demonstrates a callous disregard
for human life.

"Since the Lebanese Prime Minister first called for a ceasefire several
weeks ago and was ignored by Israel, the United States, Britain and
Australia, over 1000 Lebanese civilians and 40 Israeli civilians have
died. 

"The Greens moved a motion in federal parliament this week calling for
an immediate ceasefire but it was voted down by both major parties.

"There must be an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and a massive
humanitarian relief effort to repair Lebanon which Israel and its
supporters are morally bound to pay for.

"The evidence is mounting that this war has been planned by the Israeli
forces for some months and has been deliberately misrepresented as a
defensive action when in fact it is a well planned offensive attempt to
destroy Hizbollah and decimate southern Lebanon."

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146