dangermouse
15-02-2008, 02:50 AM
Hezbollah declares 'open war' on Israel
Thursday, 14 February 2008 23:19
Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has declared 'open war' on Israel in an address at the funeral of top Hezbollah commander Imad Mughnieh.
While thousands filled nearby streets in Beirut to mark the anniversary of the death of Rafik Hariri, Mr Nasrallah delivered a fiery speech which called for 'the blood of Imad Mughnieh to contribute to the disappearance of the Jewish state.'
Israel, which welcomed Mr Mughnieh's killing but has denied involvement, claimed said Hassan Nasrallah was now openly threatening Israeli targets abroad.
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The country's anti-terrorism office advised citizens abroad to take extra precautions.
A short time later Israeli Army chief of staff Lieutenant General Gaby Ashkenazi 'ordered land, air and naval forces on alert to ensure defence of the northern border and of other interests.'
At least 20,000 people, including Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, were inside the southern Beirut Hezbollah stronghold for the funeral address.
On a day of mass rival rallies and high tension, there had been fears of clashes between rival pro and anti-Syrian factions, and troops and security forces were out in force.
Elsewhere in the city, supporters of Rafik Hariri were gathering to mark the third anniversary of his assassination.
Thousands stood in the pouring rain in Martyrs' Square in central Beirut, where Mr Hariri is buried, waving Lebanese flags and photos of the slain leader.
As the rally got underway, members of the Hariri family and the ruling coalition inaugurated a square at the site of his killing on the Beirut seafront.
They also unveiled a bronze statue, a sculpture in the form of a flame and an obelisk bearing his accomplishments and sayings.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0214/haririr.html
Thursday, 14 February 2008 23:19
Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has declared 'open war' on Israel in an address at the funeral of top Hezbollah commander Imad Mughnieh.
While thousands filled nearby streets in Beirut to mark the anniversary of the death of Rafik Hariri, Mr Nasrallah delivered a fiery speech which called for 'the blood of Imad Mughnieh to contribute to the disappearance of the Jewish state.'
Israel, which welcomed Mr Mughnieh's killing but has denied involvement, claimed said Hassan Nasrallah was now openly threatening Israeli targets abroad.
Advertisement
The country's anti-terrorism office advised citizens abroad to take extra precautions.
A short time later Israeli Army chief of staff Lieutenant General Gaby Ashkenazi 'ordered land, air and naval forces on alert to ensure defence of the northern border and of other interests.'
At least 20,000 people, including Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, were inside the southern Beirut Hezbollah stronghold for the funeral address.
On a day of mass rival rallies and high tension, there had been fears of clashes between rival pro and anti-Syrian factions, and troops and security forces were out in force.
Elsewhere in the city, supporters of Rafik Hariri were gathering to mark the third anniversary of his assassination.
Thousands stood in the pouring rain in Martyrs' Square in central Beirut, where Mr Hariri is buried, waving Lebanese flags and photos of the slain leader.
As the rally got underway, members of the Hariri family and the ruling coalition inaugurated a square at the site of his killing on the Beirut seafront.
They also unveiled a bronze statue, a sculpture in the form of a flame and an obelisk bearing his accomplishments and sayings.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0214/haririr.html