UN calls for soldiers' release

2006-07-12 16:10

Rome - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Wednesday called for the release of two Israeli soldiers held by Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, while condemning Israel's subsequent invasion of its northern neighbour.

"I condemn without hesitation the attack that took place in southern Lebanon and demand that the Israeli soldiers be released immediately," Annan told reporters after a meeting with Italy's Prime Minister Romano Prodi.

"Every effort must be made not to harm civilians," he said.

Annan said he had discussed the latest developments in the Middle East with Prodi and had agreed on the need for "moral clarity" in the region.

'Terrorism pure and simple'

The deliberate targeting of civilians "is terrorism pure and simple, whatever the cause".

The UN chief also called for "immediate and uninterrupted action by leaders in the region" to support his appeal.

Israel pounded targets in southern Lebanon hours after two soldiers were snatched by the Shiite Hezbollah in an attack on an army patrol along the Jewish state's northern border.

- AFP