BEIRUT (AFX) - The Lebanese government Sunday accused Israel of war crimes and crimes against humanity following the deadly raid on the village of Qana, saying the United States was covering up the Jewish state's attacks on the country.
'These aggressions are crimes against humanity and war crimes in all senses of the words,' Information Minister Ghazi Aridi said, reading a statement after an emergency cabinet session following the raids which killed 52 civilians, including 30 children.
'It is to hide their failure in achieving their military objectives,' he said.
Asked about the US position concerning the continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Aridi said Washington 'is covering up these aggressions.'
On Sunday, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was forced to cancel a visit to Beirut after a furious Prime Minister Fuad Siniora said there was no place for talks without an immediate ceasefire following the Qana strike, the bloodiest attack of the 19-day-old conflict.
Rice voiced deep sadness over the loss of 'innocent' life in the attack on Qana, pledged to work for a ceasefire as soon as possible but again stopped short of demanding an immediate halt to hostilities.
'She did not mention an immediate ceasefire today, she said that she will hold contacts for a ceasefire,' Aridi said. newsdesk@afxnews.com afp/ak COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2005. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News. AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited