Karat asks Govt. to cancel all defence deals with Israel

New Delhi, July 27 (UNI) CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat today asked the Government to immediately cancel all defence deals with Israel in protest against that country's aggression in Lebanon.

Addressing a protest demonstration in front of the Israeli embassy organised by The Committee Against Israeli Aggression, Mr Karat said, "India should not support a country which is against peace and security." CPI(M) secretary D Raja said," the Israeli air strikes have forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Hizbullah's armed wing, for its part, has killed 15 Israeli civilians and injured hundreds as well as 14 soldiers. These acts are not mere use of "disproportionate force" but collective punishment of the civilian population. The United Nations should immediately intervene to end the conflict." At a time when Israel is attacking the Palestinians and Lebanon, such ties can only weaken India's international standing and independent foreign policy, the left leaders said.

The Committee Against Israeli Aggression comprises the CPI(M), CPI, RSP, Forward Bloc, intellectuals, artists and concerned citizens.

UNI XC NK DS1635