Prime Minister Fouad Siniora brought together foreign diplomats, members of the Lebanese Cabinet, representatives of the United Nations in Lebanon and other organizations Wednesday to deliver a speech in which he called upon the international community to work for an immediate cease-fire. The premier asked friends and countries to extend "urgent humanitarian international assistance" to Lebanon, adding that the country would "spare no avenue to make Israel compensate for the barbaric destruction it has inflicted and continues to inflict" upon Lebanon.US Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman told The Daily Star after the speech that he "will convey the premier's wishes directly to Washington." Feltman, who said that Siniora's speech was "articulate and touching," added that "everyone is concerned for the humanitarian situation in Lebanon." Despite the fact that Washington has not backed an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon, Feltman said: "All of us want to see an implementation of an immediate cease-fire."
This following is the address to the diplomatic corps delivered by Siniora:
"I have convened the diplomatic corps in Lebanon today to launch an urgent appeal to the international community for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire 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 1,000 wounded 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 al-Ras and Naqoura have just been shelled, so have army barracks and posts of the 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 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, despair, 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, Baalbek 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, to every other town, I call upon you all to respond immediately without reservation or hesitation to this appeal for an immediate cease-fire and lifting of 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.
"I would like to thank all those who are also preparing to do so.
"The Israeli war machines continue to inflict destruction and killing without any hesitation.
"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 this time. Thank you."