Vatican condemns attacks on Lebanon

Angelo Cardinal Sodano

Function: Former Secretary of State, Roman Curia

Title: Cardinal Bishop of Suburbicarian See of Ostia

Birthdate: Nov 23, 1927	Country: Italy

Elevated: Jun 28, 1991	More information: www.catholic-hierarchy.org

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Vatican condemns attacks on Lebanon
Jul 31, 2006
The Cardinal also had strong words for the Lebanese Hisballah.

(SperoNews, July 14, 2006) A top Vatican official said Friday the Pope is closely watching news coming out of the Middle East, and at the same time condemned the attacks on Lebanon.

"In particular, the Holy See deplores the attack on Lebanon, a free and sovereign nation, and gives assurances of its closeness to those people who have suffered so much in the defense of their own independence," said Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano earlier Friday on Vatican Radio, according to a transcript released by VIS.

The Cardinal also had strong words for the Lebanese Hisballah.

"As in the past, the Holy See also condemns both the terrorist attacks on the one side and the military reprisals on the other," said Cardinal Sodano. "Indeed, a State's right to self-defense does not exempt it from respecting the norms of international law, especially as regards the protection of civilian populations."

Earlier Friday Israel launched a fresh wave of attacks on Lebanon striking the Beirut airport again, a road connecting Lebanon to Damascus and a power plant. In turn, Hezbollah is reported to have fired 13 Katyusha rockets in three separate attacks into northern Israel. Israel's attacks on Lebanon began after Lebanese Hizballah seized an opportunity to reassert itself on the international stage on July 12 by kidnapping two Israeli soldiers along the Israel-Lebanon border. Hizbollah is seeking to trade the captive soldiers for prisoners held in Israel.

"The news we are receiving from the Middle East is certainly worrying," said Cardinal Sodano. "The Holy Father Benedict XVI and all his collaborators are following with great attention the latest dramatic episodes, which risk degenerating into a conflict with international repercussions."

"Once again, it appears obvious that the only path worthy of our civilization is that of sincere dialogue between the contending parties," said the Cardinal.

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