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Iran: Strike on Our Damascus Consulate a ‘Crazy Step’, Washington is Involved

Rescue workers search through the rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy in Damascus (AFP)
Rescue workers search through the rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy in Damascus (AFP)
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Iran: Strike on Our Damascus Consulate a ‘Crazy Step’, Washington is Involved

Rescue workers search through the rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy in Damascus (AFP)
Rescue workers search through the rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy in Damascus (AFP)

Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces said on Saturday that the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus is a “crazy move” and that Washington is involved in it, the Arab World Press agency reported on Saturday.
In a speech during the funeral procession of the Revolutionary Guard commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi, Baqeri said that the retaliation for his killing "will be at the appropriate time and place, and it will make (the enemy) regret their action."

He added saying: "We are the ones who determine the method of retaliation. Israel must know that its days are numbered, and its demise is imminent".
The Iranian consulate in Damascus was bombed on Monday in a strike that killed 13 people, including Zahedi, a senior commander in its Quds Force, which is an elite foreign espionage and paramilitary arm.

 

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G7 Statement will Not Mention ICC Warrant for Netanyahu

Protesters wave an Israeli flag and hold placards as they stand behind a banner reading, "Crime Minister" and demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens, outside his residence in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. The placard in Hebrew reads, " Indictment: favorable coverage = lying to the public" REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
Protesters wave an Israeli flag and hold placards as they stand behind a banner reading, "Crime Minister" and demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens, outside his residence in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. The placard in Hebrew reads, " Indictment: favorable coverage = lying to the public" REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
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G7 Statement will Not Mention ICC Warrant for Netanyahu

Protesters wave an Israeli flag and hold placards as they stand behind a banner reading, "Crime Minister" and demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens, outside his residence in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. The placard in Hebrew reads, " Indictment: favorable coverage = lying to the public" REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
Protesters wave an Israeli flag and hold placards as they stand behind a banner reading, "Crime Minister" and demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens, outside his residence in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. The placard in Hebrew reads, " Indictment: favorable coverage = lying to the public" REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo

A joint statement of Group of Seven foreign ministers is set to avoid mentioning the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite an effort by the Italian hosts to find a common position on it.

Italy, which currently chairs the G7, said on Monday it wanted to try to forge a common position about the ICC arrest warrant at a two-day meeting it hosted in the spa town of Fiuggi and which ended on Tuesday.

A draft of the final statement due to emerge from the discussions, reviewed by Reuters, did not directly name the ICC and its decisions.

"In exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including International Humanitarian Law," it said.

"We reiterate our commitment to International Humanitarian Law and will comply with our respective obligations," the statement added, stressing "that there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel".

Last week, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defence chief Yoav Gallant, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict.

The move was strongly criticized by the United States but other states including Britain and Italy did not rule out that they could make an arrest if Netanyahu visited their countries.

Israel condemned the ICC decision as shameful and absurd. Hamas praised it as a step towards justice.