DOCUMENT
Address to the Diplomatic Corps By the Prime Minister
H.E. Fuad Siniora
Grand Serail, Beirut, July 19, 2006
I have convened the diplomatic corps in Lebanon today to launch an urgent appeal
to the international community for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and
assistance to my war ravaged country. You are all aware that seven continuous
days of an escalating Israeli onslaught on Lebanon have resulted in immeasurable
loss: the toll in terms of human life has reached tragic proportions: over 1000
injured and 300 killed so far; over half a million people have been
displaced; in some areas, the hospitals have been crippled and are unable
to cope with the casualties; there are shortages of food and medical supplies;
homes, factories and warehouses have been completely destroyed; UN facilities in
Maroun El Ras and Naqoura have just been shelled, so have been army barracks and
posts of Joint Security Forces; a civil defense unit has been wiped out and
foreigners are being evacuated.. As I speak, the trauma, the esperation, the
grief and the daily massacres and destruction go on and on. The country has been
torn to shreds.
Is the value of human life in Lebanon less than that of the citizens of other
countries? Can the international community stand by while such
callous retribution by the State of Israel is inflicted on us?
Will you allow innocent civilians, churches, mosques, orphanages, medical
supplies escorted by the Red Cross, people seeking shelter or fleeing their
homes and villages to be the casualties of this ugly
war? Is this what the international community calls self defense? Is this
the price we pay for aspiring to build our democratic institutions? Is this the
message to send to the country of diversity, freedom and
tolerance? Only last year, the Lebanese filled the streets with hope and with
red, green and white banners shouting out: Lebanon deserves life!
What kind of life is being offered to us now? I will tell you what kind: a life
of destruction, despair, displacement, dispossession, and death. What kind of
future can stem from the rubble? A future of fear, frustration, financial ruin,
and fanaticism. Let me assure you that we shall spare no avenue to make Israel
compensate the Lebanese people for the barbaric destruction it has inflicted
and continues to inflict upon us, knowing full well that human life is
irreplaceable. You want to support the government of Lebanon? Let me tell
you, ladies and gentlemen, no government can survive on the ruins of a nation.
On behalf of the people of Lebanon, from Beirut, Baalbeck, and Byblos, to Tyre
Sidon and Qana, to each and every one of the 21 villages at the southern border,
declared a no-go zone by Israel, to Tripoli and Zahle, I call upon you all to
respond immediately without reservation or hesitation to this appeal for an
immediate cease-fire and lifting the siege, and provide urgent international
humanitarian assistance to our war-stricken country. I would also like to thank
the international organizations and the friendly countries that have
already extended their valued help and thank as well those who are preparing to
do so.
Excellencies
We the Lebanese want life.
We have chosen life.
We refuse to die.
Our choice is clear.
We have survived wars and destruction over the ages.
We shall do so again.
I hope you will not let us down.g