Annan expects Israel to lift Lebanon embargo soon

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said yesterday he hoped for word on the lifting of an Israeli blockade on Lebanon within two days as the shape of a carefully orchestrated deal involving France, Italy and Germany emerged.

In Egypt, Mr Annan said he hoped the next 48 hours would bring "positive" news on the lifting of the Israeli embargo imposed on Lebanon's ports and airport since July 13, the day after Hizbollah sparked a 34-day war by seizing two Israeli soldiers.

A spokesman for French President Jacques Chirac said France had agreed "in principle" to a request from the UN for the French navy to help monitor the Lebanese coast.

A Lebanese political source said the Beirut government had prepared a letter asking the UN to help patrol its coast, but would not send it until Israel had lifted its restrictions on flights in and out of Beirut.

Once that happens and the letter has gone, French and Italian naval ships would deploy off the Lebanese coast, meeting an Israeli demand for measures to stop Hizbollah rearming.

Five days later, Israel would lift its sea blockade, the Lebanese source said. Germany, which has offered a naval force, would eventually take over the French and Italian naval role.

"This is our understanding, but the Israelis are still dragging their feet," the source said. "We are not sure when this will go into effect."

Israel earlier reiterated that the blockade would stay in place until Hizbollah was prevented from rearming.