1 Aug 2006

Fiji opposition denounces Middle East carnage

1:44 pm on 1 August 2006

Fiji's opposition leader, Mick Beddoes, has condemned both Israel and Hizbollah for the continued slaughter of civilians in the Middle East.

The Daily Post quotes Mr Beddoes as saying there is no justification the killing of over 450 civilians in Lebanon for the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers.

He says one third of war casualties have been children and Israel cannot justify the loss of 453 civilians and the wholesale destruction of towns and infrastructure.

Mr Beddoes says while he supports Israel's right to defend itself, there could be no moral justification for mass killings.

He says the very slow response by the United Nations Security Council in resolving this and other conflicts raises serious concerns about its effectiveness.