Thursday, July 27 2006 16:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Calling for an immediate ceasefire to end the escalating crisis in Lebanon, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (July 27, 2006) sought a long-term solution that addresses legitimate concerns of all parties in the region.

"West Asia is our extended neighbourhood and tensions in that region affects our security and our vital interests," Singh said making a suo motu statement in the Lok Sabha on the situation in Lebanon and the evacuation of Indian nationals.

The Prime Minister announced that Government has decided to contribute Rs 10 crore for humanitarian and relief efforts to rebuild Lebanon.

"In our view, there should be an immediate ceasefire so that the destuction of Lebanoon is ended and humanitarian assistance could be provided," he said.

Left parties, which have been demanding that India suspend arms purchases from Israel and should take a 'strong' position on the assault on Lebanon, made vociferous demands for raising supplementaries, but were not allowed by Speaker Somnath Chatterjee.

As they persisted with their demand, Chatterjeee adjourned the House for an hour.