|
Hon. Members are aware of
the current situation in Lebanon. Taking into
account the concern that Members may have on this
score, I rise to apprise the House of the current
situation and our responses to the evolving
situation, especially the efforts made by us to aid
and assist Indian nationals who have become victims
of the escalating crisis in Lebanon.
West Asia is our extended
neighbourhood and tensions in that region affect our
security and our vital interests. We are seriously
concerned about the escalation of the conflict
between Israel and the Hezbollah extending across
the Lebanon-Israel border. These developments have
inflamed an already tense and delicate situation in
the region.
On July 12, India had
condemned the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by
the Hezbollah cadres and called for their immediate
release. Simultaneously, we had condemned in the
strongest possible terms the excessive and
disproportionate military retaliation by Israel. We
had particularly expressed concern that the actions
of the Israeli Defence Forces had resulted in the
killing and suffering of innocent civilians,
including women and children, that is likely to
exacerbate an already tense situation. We also
condemn the attacks that led to the deaths of 4 UN
Observers in Lebanon.
India had also condemned
the wholly unjustified arrest and continuing
detention of Ministers of the Palestinian National
Authority and members of the Palestinian Legislative
Council. There can be no justification whatsoever
for taking such action against the duly elected
representatives of the Palestinian people.
The virtual destruction
of a country which has been painfully rebuilt after
two decades of civil war, can hardly be countenanced
by any civilized state. In response to the appeal
issued by the Government of Lebanon, I would like to
inform the House that the Government has decided to
contribute Rs. 10 crores to humanitarian and relief
efforts to rebuild Lebanon.
In our view, there should
be an immediate ceasefire so that the destruction of
Lebanon is ended and humanitarian assistance could
be provided. All sides must immediately halt the
violence and give diplomacy a chance. Diplomacy to
succeed should have a long-term solution that
involves and addresses the legitimate concerns of
all parties in the region, leading to a
comprehensive and negotiated solution.
The safety and welfare of
Indian nationals who were residents in that country
has been our foremost concern. On July 17,
anticipating a further deterioration in the security
situation an advisory was issued to all Indian
nationals, particularly those living in Southern
Lebanon, to take suitable precautions regarding
their personal safety. Consultations were initiated
to work out solutions on how to facilitate the
return of those of our nationals in Lebanon desirous
of doing so. All Indian nationals have been advised
to remain in contact with the Embassy of India in
Beirut, who has been instructed to render necessary
advice and updated information on the evolving
situation.
Since Beirut airport
remained closed and the land route between Beirut
and Damascus was insecure, it was felt that the best
way to evacuate Indian nationals was through Beirut
port. Four Indian Naval ships INS Mumbai, INS
Brahmaputra, INS Betwa and INS Shakti which were in
the Red Sea area, were redirected to Beirut to
assist in the evacuation.
The first evacuation
effort was undertaken on July 21, 2006. 598 Indian
nationals, and as a humanitarian gesture, nationals
from Nepal, Lebanon and Sri Lanka, were evacuated by
INS Mumbai from Beirut to Larnaca in Cyprus. From
Larnaca, Air India arranged two aircraft to ferry
the evacuated Indians to Mumbai and Chennai.
A second evacuation out
of Beirut was undertaken on July 24. This comprised
887 people including 784 Indians, 41 from Nepal, 57
from Sri Lanka and 5 Lebanese nationals. All Indian
nationals and nationals from Nepal and Sri Lanka
were air-lifted from Larnaca to India and have
arrived safely. A third phase of evacuation was
completed on July 26 bringing the total number of
those evacuated to 1870, including 1687 Indian
nationals.
It is our estimate that
approximately 12,000 Indian nationals were in
Lebanon at the time of the outbreak of hostilities.
They are mostly semi-skilled and unskilled workers
who were working in farms and factories. Of these, a
large number have not indicated their desire to
leave Lebanon. Some of them appear to have decided
to stay back, others may have been unable to reach
Beirut because of the disruption in communications.
We have so far received confirmation of the death of
one Indian national in an air strike on a glass
factory in Bekka valley.
Our Embassy continues to
function in Beirut, and is in touch with various
organizations and agencies with which Indian
nationals were associated. For the time being, our
naval vessels will continue to be in the region in
case they are required to be used in the service of
our nationals. Any further evacuations will be
planned taking into account the ground situation in
Lebanon.
We also have a contingent
of 672 Indian officers and soldiers as part of the
UN peace-keeping forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Our
peacekeepers are safe, though currently confined to
their barracks.
I would like to place on
record appreciation for the efforts of various
Ministries, Departments and agencies of Government
for the swift and successful manner in which they
have responded to the task of helping our fellow
citizens in distress.
New Delhi,
Jul 27, 2006 |
