SPAIN: Tens of thousands of Spaniards hold a pro-Lebanon demonstration in Madrid

Tens of thousands of Spaniards demonstrated in Madrid on Thursday (July 20) to show their support for the citizens of Lebanon and to call for an end to Israeli attacks. The streets in the Spanish capital were closed off as huge numbers of demonstrators gathered, carrying Lebanese and Palestinian flags and holding signs and banners against Israel. "I think the international community should engage more and stop being cynical and hypocritical," Victoria, a participant in the demonstration told Reuters Television. The demonstration was organised by the Spanish Socialist Party which supports Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero who has firmly rejected Israel's operation in Lebanon. Zapatero's comments have generated tension between the two governments in the last two days. "At least the Spanish Prime MInister has gone against Israel and expressed support. The others (other countries) are shameful," said Flori Monedes another participant. Spain wants the United Nations Security Council to agree to deploy international troops to stop fighting which has claimed hundreds of lives since Israel launched bombardments nine days ago to stop Hizbollah attacking it with rockets. Israel continued to bombard Lebanon for a ninth day on Thursday and has dismissed as premature a proposal for an international military force to help end the worst fighting across the Israeli-Lebanese border in more than 20 years.

ITN Source | July 21, 2006

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