Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding escalation of the situation in Lebanon (31 June, 2006)

Kazakhstan expresses condolences to the Government and the people of Lebanon in connection with the death of peaceful citizens as a result of air strikes of Israeli armed forces on Kafr Kana settlement.

We regret profoundly the continuing conflict escalation that has entailed suffering of peaceful population of Lebanon, Palestine and Israel. Kazakhstan believes that military actions should not lead to victims among peaceful population and destruction of civilian infrastructure as well as humanitarian crisis.

Kazakhstan urges all conflicting parties for immediate ceasefire and believes it necessary to adopt a consolidating UNSC resolution. A decision by Israel to suspend air strikes for 48 hours should be a first step in the course of ceasefire in the region.