Saturday, July 15, 2006

Iraq PM denounces Israel over Lebanon, Gaza

BAGHDAD, July 15 (Reuters) - Iraq's U.S.-backed government denounced Israel's "criminal" raids on Lebanon and Gaza and the prime minister warned of the risk of an escalation of violence.

In a rare public foray into affairs beyond its borders, the premier's office said in a statement: "Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki denounces the Israeli raids on Lebanon and warns of the consequences of escalation in the region.

"The prime minister calls on Arab foreign ministers to meet to take a clear stand that condemns the criminal acts in Lebanon and Gaza and affirms this assault will make Lebanon's people more united and cohesive in the face of the Israeli challenge."

Arab foreign ministers held an emergency meeting in Cairo on Saturday to discuss ways to end Israeli attacks.

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