India calls for de-escalating tension in West Asia

New Delhi, July 13 (UNI) India today strongly condemned Israeli military action against civilian infrastructure in Lebanon, including Beirut airport, and warned that it could exacerbate an already tense situation in the region.

It also condemned the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by Lebanese militants yesterday and called for their immediate release.

The Foreign Ministry in a statement issued here, warned against escalating tension in West Asia saying it had the potential to inflame the region further and widen the conflict.

''India condemns the abduction of two Israeli soldiers on July 12 by Lebanese militants and calls for their immediate release. We equally strongly condemn the excessive and disproportionate military action by Israel which has targeted civilian infrastructure, including Beirut airport. We are particularly concerned that the actions of Israeli Defence Forces have resulted in the killing and suffering of innocent civilians, including women and children, that is likely to excacerbate an already tense situation,'' a spokesman of the External Affairs Ministry said.

Calling upon both sides to eschew the path of violence, de-escalate the situation and return to the path of negotiations, the statement said it is India's firm conviction that lasting peace and security in the region was in the interest of the entire world and could be achieved only through dialogue and not the use of force.

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