AAJ DECLARATION CONDEMNING ISRAELI ATTACKS ON LEBANON

The American Association of Jurists, NGO with consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) condemns Israel’s military actions against Lebanon. The destruction of infrastructures, the high number of civilian dead and wounded, the air, land and water blockade, and Israel’s threats against other countries in the region confirm its terrorist policy and actions as practiced in Gaza and the West Bank, increasing the danger of a war which could spread to the whole Middle East. The fact that Hezbollah has taken two Israelí soldiers prisoner, while Israel holds many Hezbollah members in its jails, does not justify the violation of Lebanon`s sovereignty and territorial integrity. These actions constitute Crimes of Aggression and Crimes Against Humanity that violate the UN Charter, all the international human rights instruments and the Geneva Conventions. We repudiate the US government’s support for this new wave of Israelí aggression, which gives them the green light to spread more terror, tragedy and human and economic losses.

We call on the United Nations to intervene to put an end to the Israelí aggression.

The American Association of Jurists therefore calls on the United Nations to intervene and supervise:

1. An immediate ceasefire and cessation of Israeli aggression against Lebanon, withdrawal of its armed forces from Lebanese territory, airspace and waters and respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

2. A negotiated solution for the exchange of prisoners.

3. Israel’s assumption of responsibility for loss of human life and material damage caused by its aggression in Lebanon.

This July 15, 2006.

Clea Carpi da Rocha, AAJ President

Vanesa Ramos, AAJ Secretary General

Beinusz Szmukler, President AAJ Consultative Council