July 14, 2006	Friday	Jumadi-ul-Sani 17, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, July 13: Pakistan on Thursday strongly condemned the Israeli attack on the Beirut airport and called upon the UN Security Council, major powers as well as the Quartet to act immediately and resolutely to stop the aggression.

“This attack is a flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and contravenes the international norms and principles of the UN Charter,” a strongly worded statement issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson said.

“The aerial bombardment of Beirut airport and the naval blockade of Lebanese waters announced by the Israeli government represent a dangerous escalation,” the spokesperson warned, pointing to the loss of many innocent lives and widespread damage to property and infrastructure.

“We have also watched with deep concern the Israeli attacks on Gaza that have resulted in enormous losses in life and property,” she added.

The spokesperson said the latest Israeli aggression against Palestinian territories and Lebanon undermined hopes and efforts for peace in the region.

“The situation demands restraint and a return to diplomacy and negotiations,” she emphasised and urged members of the international community to step in to end the spiralling violence and put the peace process back on track.