14 August 2006
Methodist Church welcomes ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel
Welcoming the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that began
this morning, Anthea Cox, Methodist Coordinating Secretary for
Public Life and Social Justice said;
'We have to recognise this as being a positive move towards peace
for the people of Israel and Lebanon, but it is only the first step
on what could be a long road. It is vital that both Israel and
Hezbollah continue to observe the ceasefire and work towards a
lasting peace. To avoid an early breakdown of negotiations is it
essential that an international peacekeeping force is soon able to
move into Israeli-occupied areas of Lebanon, that Israel
progressively scales down its military operation in preparation for
a withdrawal and that Lebanese talks about disarming Hezbollah be
resumed.
'Too many people have been killed in the conflict on both sides and
many more left homeless and injured. This ceasefire gives the
opportunity for authorities to allow humanitarian aid into those
areas most affected by the conflict. Peace is more than just the
absence of war and we pray that this ceasefire would bring hope to
all those affected by this struggle'.