United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has met with Lebanon's prime minister and a Hezbollah cabinet minister in an effort to consolidate the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas.
Lebanese officials say Mr. Annan met in Beirut today with the Hezbollah cabinet minister after talks with Prime Minister Fuad Siniora.
Upon his arrival in Beirut, Mr. Annan said he wanted to discuss the aftermath of the war and implementation of the U.N. ceasefire resolution, and to underscore international solidarity regarding Lebanon.
Lebanese leaders want Mr. Annan to pressure Israel into lifting its air and sea blockade of Lebanon. The U.N. chief also is to visit Israel, Syria and Iran.
Meanwhile, Turkey says it has agreed to contribute troops to the expanded U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon. The move will require the approval of the Turkish parliament.
