Stop arms purchase from Israel: Prakash Karat

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 20: The CPI(M) today urged the UPA Government to stop arms purchase from Israel, to convey India's strong displeasure over the ''blatant aggression on Lebanon.'' Talking to newspersons here, CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat alleged that the Manmohan Singh Government was soft on the issue despite the presence of about 12,000 Indians in Lebanon.

It was true that the government came out with a statement, but it was very mild in nature. ''That is not sufficient in this situation'', he added.

India should demand Israel to stop the aggression on Lebanon and also seek imposition of sanctions against that country. ''We should also stop arms purchase from that country to convey its strong displeasure over the happenings,'' he said.

He also demanded that India should put pressure on Israel to pay compensation for the losses suffered by Indians.

UNI