White House Statement on Hizballah Kidnapping //Rice: All sides must act with restraint

IMRA/White House/State Dept ^ | 7-12-06

[SJackson]

White House Statement on Condemnation of Hizballah Kidnapping of Two Israeli Soldiers

For Immediate Release
Office of the White House Press Secretary July 12, 2006
Statement on Condemnation of Hizballah Kidnapping of Two Israeli Soldiers
www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/07/20060712.html

Today Hizballah terrorists operating from Lebanon kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and launched rocket attacks against civilian targets in Israel. The United States condemns in the strongest terms this unprovoked act of terrorism, which was timed to exacerbate already high tensions in the region and sow further violence. We also hold Syria and Iran, which have provided long-standing support for Hizballah, responsible for today's violence. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the Israeli soldiers.

Hizballah's terrorist operations threaten Lebanon's security and are an affront to the sovereignty of the Lebanese Government. Hizballah's actions are not in the interest of the Lebanese people, whose welfare should not be held hostage to the interests of the Syrian and Iranian regimes. We reiterate the international community's insistence that all parties in the region fulfill their obligations under UN Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1680, and cease all support for Hizballah.

.............................

Secretary Condoleezza Rice: All sides must act with restraint

[Netanyahu - I got quiet when Arabs saw I gave "crazy" response to attack]

[Likud chairman MK Binyamin Netanyahu explained in a live interview on Israel Television this evening that during his administration when there was an incident on the Northern border he authorized an immediate massive attack against Lebanon and that this brought years of quiet. At the time, Netanyahu noted, the Arabs said that the ferocity of his response was "crazy"] Actions in Northern Israel and Southern Lebanon

Statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Paris, France July 12, 2006
www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2006/68902.htm

I condemn today's kidnapping by Hezbollah, a terrorist organization, of two Israeli soldiers. Hezbollah's action undermines regional stability and goes against the interests of both the Israeli and Lebanese people.

I have spoken with UN Secretary General Annan, Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora and Israeli Foreign Minister Livni.

We are united in our determination to achieve the release of the Israeli soldiers. Syria has a special responsibility to use its influence to support a positive outcome. All sides must act with restraint to resolve this incident peacefully and to protect innocent life and civilian infrastructure.

[sheik yerbouty]

That's about right.

[SunkenCiv]

Heh... that's the usual diplomatic response so no one can say, "see, the US encouraged Israel to invade Lebanon." I'm not saying it will work...

[Convert from ECUSA]

[papabrody]

I apologize if I didn't make myself clear. I'm talking about those murders Hezbollah. They crossed Israel's international border, kidnapped and killed . That Israel does not have to constrain itself and should take care of these Islamic nutcases once and for all.

I'm Jewish and defend my brothers in Israel 1000% I've even began to make plans to go to Israel and help them in any way I can if Iran, Syria or any other enemy attacks Israel.

Again, I apologize if my initial post was unclear.