The United Nations on Wednesday called on Lebanon's militant group Hizbollah to release two Israeli soldiers it captured earlier in the day and urged all sides to avoid any further escalation, reported Lebanese National News Agency.
Gier Pederson, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's personal representative to south Lebanon, made the call after meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, said the report.
"I call on Hezbollah to release the soldiers," Pederson was quoted as saying, adding he also urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any further escalation.
Clashes broke out early Wednesday between Hizbollah militias and Israeli army at border area in south Lebanon shortly after several rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel.
The clashes left two Lebanese and seven Israeli soldiers killed, while Hizbollah seized two Israeli soldiers and demanded Israel to release prisoners in its jails and guarantee their safe return, according to media reports.
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Director: Liu Chi