Ahern criticises US stance on Middle East ceasefire

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern has criticised the US stance on the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Lebanon.

The European Union is demanding an immediate ceasefire in the region, but the United States has said a ceasefire should not be hastily imposed and should only be arranged if it can be lasting and sustainable.

The Israeli government is interpreting this as approval for its assault on Lebanon, which has killed hundreds of innocent civilians.

Speaking to reporters in Dublin today, Mr Ahern said the failure to call for a ceasefire defied logic and he criticised the US approach to the violence.

He expressed disappointment that the international community could not unite in calling for an immediate halt to hostilities at a conference in Rome earlier this week.

"I know that the US have been doing a lot behind the scenes, but I don't agree with their position that now is not the time to call for a ceasefire," he said.

Mr Ahern also rejected suggestions that the US military may be using Shannon Airport to transport missiles to the Israelis.

Earlier this week, British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett launched an unprecedented attack on the US for transporting massive "bunker-busting" bombs destined for Israel through Prestwick Airport in Glasgow without following the proper procedures.

However, Mr Ahern said he trusted US assurances that no such transports were taking place through Shannon.