Suleiman Condemns Israel's Gaza Aggression, Says it Doesn't Contribute to Democracy
President Michel Suleiman reiterated on Thursday calls for international pressure on Israel to engage in peace talks with Palestinians, saying war does not contribute to democracy in the region.
In a statement issued by Baabda palace, Suleiman condemned the “barbarous aggression launched on the Gaza (Strip) by Israel, which only uses the language of killing and destruction.”
“The policy of war and terror has never brought a just and comprehensive peace and would never contribute to the aspired democracy in peace negotiations,” he said.
Suleiman reiterated his call for the international community to pressure Israeli officials in engaging in the peace talks.
“The policy of aggression proved to be useless and it is about time for the enemy to realize that and sit at the negotiating table if it was truly willing (to reach) peace,” he said in the statement.
Israel launched a bruising air, naval and artillery offensive on the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the most intense assault on the Palestinian territory in four years.
The operation was launched with the assassination of Hamas' top military commander, followed by an onslaught of airstrikes and shelling by tanks and naval gunboats.
On the occasion of the Islamic New Year, Suleiman hoped in his statement for more peace, security and stability in the coming days.
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