Archbishop and Christian Aid Condemn Blair on Middle East Crisis

As some of the world's major aid agencies condemned the attacks in Lebanon and northern Israel, they stated on Friday that Prime Minister Tony Blair had got his policy on the crisis "horribly wrong" by failing to call for an immediate cease-fire in the Middle East.

|TOP|The seven agencies, including Christian Aid, Save the Children and Oxfam, said in a joint statement that Blair's stance has put his country at odds with the rest of the international community.

"The situation on the ground is grim and getting worse," said Janet Symes, Christian Aid's regional manager for the Middle East.

"The prime minister has in the past provided admirable leadership on humanitarian crises. We can't understand why he has got this one so horribly wrong."

Blair's government, like that of the United States, has refused to publicly call for a cease-fire, putting it at odds with the United Nations and most of its European allies.

Explaining the government's stance, a spokesman for Blair said on Friday said the prime minister had "made it clear right from the beginning that he wants the conflict to end".

"What, however, people appear to want him to do is to call for a unilateral cease-fire.

"That may make people feel good for a few hours but a) it's unlikely to have any impact and b) a quick fix will not deliver a sustainable peace in the Middle East."

|AD|The seven aid agencies -- Christian Aid, Save the Children, Oxfam, Islamic Relief, CAFOD, World Vision and CARE International UK -- condemned the bombings and rocket attacks in Lebanon and northern Israel.

"Civilians are the main victims of this and a cease-fire would be in all their interests," said Geoffrey Dennis, head of CARE International UK.

In addition, the Archbishop of Canterbury has led calls
for Tony Blair and George Bush to demand an immediate ceasefire by Israel and Hizbollah.

Dr Rowan Williams accused Mr Blair of being out of touch with public opinion as people across Britain marched in protest at the carnage in the Middle East.

Dr Williams warned: "We really have to ask whether the governments of some Western countries are catching up with the consciences of their own people. They may have to reckon with the rising level of public despair and dismay and I hope that they will bring their influence to bear in moving towards a ceasefire."