Annan Condemns Israeli Airstrike on Lebanese Civilian Shelter
30 July 2006
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has condemned Sunday's Israeli airstrike that killed more than 50 Lebanese civilians and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Mr. Annan says he is dismayed his earlier calls for a stop to Israeli-Hezbollah fighting have not been heeded. He spoke at an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council convened after Sunday's Israeli attack.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora says an immediate and unconditional ceasefire must be put into place. He also thanked Hezbollah guerrillas for their sacrifices in the war with Israel.
Mr. Siniora and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice canceled their Beirut talks planned for Sunday. Rice instead stayed in Israel to meet again with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert after the air strike.
Mr. Olmert expressed "deep sorrow" over the civilian deaths.
The White House says the strike in Qana shows the need for Israel to take the utmost care to avoid civilian casualties.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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