Posted on 06/29/2006 10:11:23 AM PDT by SmithL
DAMASCUS, Syria -- The prime minister on Thursday denounced Israel for buzzing the summer residence of President Bashar Assad with its warplanes, saying Syria can defend itself against any aggression.
Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Otari said the Israeli action was meant to divert attention from its bombing of the Gaza Strip in the wake of Sunday's abduction of an Israeli soldier. Militants linked to Hamas, which now controls the Palestinian government, claimed it had abducted the soldier, Cpl. Gilad Shalit.
"This aggression represents Israeli piracy that aims at covering up the savage crimes the Israeli occupation forces are committing in the Gaza Strip and occupied Palestinian lands," Otari said at a news conference with Jordanian Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit.
The controversy overshadowed a national conference in Lebanon where pro- and anti-Syrian politicians met to discuss disarming the Syrian-backed militant group Hezbollah, among other issues.
Israel's actions represent "the highest levels of state terrorism," Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said at the conference.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora, Assad's chief rival, also denounced the flyover and the Gaza attacks.
Bolstered by rare, unanimous support from its smaller neighbor, Syria took a hard line against Israel.
"Syria is capable of defending itself if it's exposed to any aggression, and I am sure that the Arab masses would stand by it if the Zionist enemy contemplated a new adventure," al-Bakhit said.
He said Wednesday's overflights were a violation of international law, adding that the use of force does not accomplish any political gains.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Sigh
Impotence... *chuckle*
"adding that the use of force does not accomplish any political gains."
I am laughing too hard to comment.
I denounce the fly-by, too. It shouldn't have been a fly-by; it should have been a bombing sortie.
I'm sure it was very embarrassing when they discovered they left the bombs at home.
MAVERICK!
Syria has already taken active part in this matter. Which came first, the fly-over or the introduction of Syrian troops into the dispute?
Said the pot to the kettle.
I hate it when I do that.
Israel's response should be to tell Syria that next time they "fly by", the planes will lighten their load.
LOL... Well said!
Syria must have great air defenses. I would not worry about political gains I would would worry about keeping my Pampers unsoiled. Where is Baghdad Bob in this picture, I can assure you that there are no tanks in or near Baghdad.
(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")
Israel should explain that she's checking out the land situation where the palis are going to be living.
"force does not accomplish any political gains"
would this included terrorists using force (chemical, explosives,unsharpened knives)?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.