ISLAMABAD, JULY 15, SPA – Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Beirut airport resulting in loss of many innocent lives and widespread damage to property and infrastructure. In a statement, Foreign Office spokesperson Ms Tasnim Aslam said reports suggested that Israeli warships had blocked Lebanese ports and its international airport had been closed after Israeli bombing. "The attack is a flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and contravenes the norms and principles of the UN Charter,” she added. The spokesperson said that the aerial bombardment of Beirut airport and the naval blockade of Lebanese waters by Israel represented a dangerous escalation. "We have also watched with deep concern the Israeli attacks on Gaza that have resulted in enormous losses in life and property,” she said. Ms Aslam said the latest Israeli aggression against Palestinian territories and Lebanon have undermined hopes and efforts for peace in the region. She said the situation demands restraint and a return to diplomacy and negotiations. The spokeswoman said that the UN Security Council and major powers must act immediately and resolutely to stop the attacks and the spiraling violence and put the peace process back on track. --SPA 15/07/2006 12:49 ت م www.spa.gov.sa/375649