TFLE01. ARMENIA DENOUNCES

UNCLAS YEREVAN 000948 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/CARC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL LE AM SUBJECT: TFLE01. ARMENIA DENOUNCES "DISPROPORTIONATE" USE OF FORCE IN LEBANON REF: STATE 114722 ¶1. On July 14, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the situation in Lebanon which condemns the use of "disproportionate force intended solely to collectively punish civilians..." Full text of the statement below: ¶2. Begin text of Armenian Foreign Ministry Statement: Armenia is extremely concerned about the military actions in Lebanon and their escalation, as well as the great loss of civilian life. Armenia condemns any violence whether it be abduction or use of force. We particularly denounce the use of such disproportionate force intended solely to collectively punish civilians and damage infrastructure. This kind of reaction by Israel is particularly difficult to understand given the fact that the Lebanese government has clearly distanced itself from the abduction incident. We hope that there will be restraint in the region and also hope there will be an immediate ceasefire so that the issues can be addressed by peaceful means. End text. ¶3. Armenian print media widely covered the statement, describing it as the toughest ever made by the Foreign Ministry. The press also cited Armenian Defense Minister Serzh Sargsian as saying that events in Lebanon were extremely dangerous for the region, but that Armenia's role in this issue was "close to zero." EVANS