National
Spanish Prime Minister criticises the 'disproportionate reaction' of Israel
By h.b. - Jan 5, 2009 - 12:43 PM
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Spanish Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, has given a warning to Israel that they are not on the road to peace in the Middle East.
In an institutional declaration the Spanish Prime Minister also called for an immediate cease fire, and also offered to mediate in what he called the ‘very serious’ conflict.
Zapatero said that in no case could a population be held hostage, and that everyone must make an effort to avoid this serious spiral of violence.
The Spanish Prime Minister said that the European Union could and must come up with an efficient initiative to put in a mechanism to supervise a cease fire.
After rejecting and roundly condemning the ‘absolutely disproportionate reactions of Israel’ on the Gaza strip which he said ‘are against international human rights’, Zapatero then went on to reject the ‘irresponsible and provocative conduct’ of Hamas by breaking the cease fire. Putting this matter down to the strength of arms is a road with no exit, said Zapataro, who said a road for democracy has to be opened.
Zapatero called on the international community to react.
He said he has talked to both French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan to press for an immediate cease fire.
The Spanish Prime Minister will pass on his opinions to both the Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, in the next few days and to the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmud Abbas, who is reported to be visiting Madrid on Thursday or Friday this week.