[LCM Articles] Transcript of PM's Address to Diplomatic Corps

[Loai Naamani]

Address to the Diplomatic Corps
By the Prime Minister
H.E. Mr. 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 desperation, 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.
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