Israeli PM lays down conditions to end Lebanon assault

Beirut, 16 July (AKI) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has relayed to his Lebanese counterpart Fuad Sinora the conditions under which Israel will halt its assault on Lebanon, a Lebanese cabinet minister said Sunday. Information minister Ghazi al-Aridi said the message had been relayed through Italian Prime Minster Romano Prodi.

To cease it military activities, Israel has demanded that Hezbollah withdraw its guerillas beyond the Litani river which flows some 40 kilomtres north of the Lebanese-Israeli border, and that two Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah last Wednesday be handed back. Prodi conveyed Israel's terms to Sinora in a telephone conversation earlier on Sunday.