French PM urges immediate ceasefire between Israel, Lebanon

Visiting French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin called on Monday for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon's Hizbollah guerillas to end escalating violence.

"I urge an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," said de Villepin at a news conference held in Beirut after talks with his Lebanese counterpart Fouad Siniora.

"Our priority is the ceasefire," he stressed.

De Villepin arrived in Beirut earlier in the day on a visit to show support to Lebanon as Israel stepped up a massive assault following the capture of two Israeli soldiers by Lebanon's Hizbollah guerillas on July 12.

Source: Xinhua