February 08, 2007	Thursday	Muharram 19, 1428

BEIRUT, Feb 7: Lebanon’s Hezbollah party urged on Wednesday Arab and Islamic nations to act against a “blatant aggression” by Israel in works underway near the flashpoint mosque compound in Jerusalem.

“The actions of the Israeli occupation forces ... are a blatant aggression on the Arab and Muslim sacred places,” a Hezbollah statement said.

“Remaining silent toward what has happened encourages the enemy to make much more important and dangerous violations,” it said.

“We ask Arab and Islamic countries and peoples to bear complete responsibility in confronting the Zionist plots,” it said.

Hezbollah's main backer, Iran, also condemned Israel's works at the mosque compound and urged Muslim countries to make the Jewish state regret the move.

Israel continued public works near the compound, which it said is expected to take months despite a storm of Arab-Muslim protest that the holy site's foundations are in danger.—AFP