UN attack looks deliberate: Annan (assurances were given positions

[babylonsister]

would be spared)

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19916610-1702,00.html

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan today said he was "shocked" at Israel's "apparently deliberate targeting" of a UN post in Lebanon, in which up to four UN observers were killed.

Mr Annan described the strike as a "co-ordinated artillery and aerial attack on a long established and clearly marked UN post."

He said it took place "despite personal assurances given to me by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that UN positions would be spared Israeli fire."

"Furthermore, General Alain Pelligrini, the UN Force Commander in south Lebanon, had been in repeated contact with Israeli officers throughout the day on Tuesday, stressing the need to protect that particular UN position from attack.

"I call on the Government of Israel to conduct a full investigation into this very disturbing incident and demand that any further attack on UN positions and personnel must stop.

"The names and nationalities of those killed are being withheld pending notification of their families. I extend sincere condolences to the families of our fallen peacekeepers."

[ladjf]

1. There is NO way that this was an accident. It was the most clear

statement of Israeli and U.S. arrogance toward the U.N. or any other authority beyond their own. They have clearly said "F..K you world. We'll do anything we want to do and you can't do anything about it."

They are incorrect, however, in believing that they can run roughshod over everyone forever. There are counter-balancing forces that will eventually make their presence known.

[babylonsister]

2. Agreed. Even if the US rolls over, other countries who respect the

UN won't.