Russian FM calls for probe into whether Israel used cluster bombs in Lebanon

AP ^ | September 8, 2006

[Tailgunner Joe]

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called Friday for an investigation to determine whether Israel used cluster bombs in its offensive in Lebanon, Russian news agencies reported.

Lavrov's call for a probe came on the heels of a visit to the Middle East, where he faced Israeli charges that Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas used Russian arms supplied by Syria in their war with Israel, and appeared aimed at least in part to counter criticism over the issue.

"In the interests of everybody and in the interests of turning this page for good, it is necessary to conduct such an investigation, to establish the facts and not to leave any disagreements," ITAR-Tass quoted Lavrov as saying.

The reports indicated that Lavrov did not specify who Russia believes should carry out the investigation. He said a probe is being conducted at the request of the Lebanese leadership, adding, "I think that bringing clarity on this question from an independent source wouldn't hurt," ITAR-Tass reported.

During the 34-day war, which ended Aug. 14 with a fragile truce between the two sides, Russia accused Israel of using excessive force.

"In the last days and hours of the Lebanese war ... very many questions arose about how combat activities were conducted and why such intensity was observed," the reports quoted Lavrov as saying.

Lebanon's state-run news agency reported that two people were wounded Friday when a cluster bomb left over from the war exploded in a southern Lebanese village.

[NormsRevenge]

We won't mention using nerve gas on hostages and captors alike.

[308MBR]

Sure, the Israelis used cluster bombs. They just didn't use enough of them.

[mkjessup]

The IDF must have destroyed more Russian munitions and equipment than Moscow first estimated, now they're upset.

[EQAndyBuzz]

"Russian FM calls for probe into whether Israel used cluster bombs in Lebanon"

Hmm.....

Russian FM calls for probe into whether Hezbollah used rockets with ball bearings in Haiffa.

There, better.

[shankbear]

They are mad because the kill ratio is better with the American made cluster bombs than with their 1960s technology katusha rockets.

[txzman]

Hey, lets do our checks in chronological order. Let's start with Russian village cleansing operations in Afghanistan in the 80's. Much more to talk about.

[MarkL]

Hey, lets do our checks in chronological order. Let's start with Russian village cleansing operations in Afghanistan in the 80's. Much more to talk about.

And don't forget the Russian use of plastic explosive land mines, molded into bright colors, looking like toys, to attract small children to pick them up, back in those days as well.

Mark

[Thunder90]

Hey Premier Putin...

Stuff it.

[Thunder90]

They used the toy trick in Chechnya as well.

[Sergei_DV]

Katusha rockets is 1938th technology.
In a book by Sergey Goryianov have red about weapons merchant Victor But, he has about fifty cargo planes, including "Ruslan". He is not alone in profession. Some people can sell anything, if price is good.
Soon after beginning of democratic reforms there where big conflagrations in several big weapon storehouses in our region. People think, they where deliberate, for hiding traces of theft. Sough there where no proofs. But during totalitarianism there where no such incidents.