Israel Announces End to Blockade on Lebanon

2006-09-07 13:36:01 CRIENGLISH.com

Israel has announced that it will lift its more than two-month-old sea and air blockade on Lebanon on Thursday.

According to a statement from the Israeli government, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan told Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that international troops are ready to take over the ports.

The official announcement to end the blockade was made by Israeli government spokesperson Miri Eisin.

"Israel, tomorrow at 6pm Israel time, Thursday September 7th, will together with the entrance of the international forces stop our presence in both the aerial and naval blockade."

While the planned transfer will take place on Thursday, Eisin says until an acceptable solution to secure the borders is arranged, Israel will still act in self-defense and make sure no weapons enter Lebanon.

She also says Israel plans to remove troops from Lebanon as soon as there are enough international troops present.
Israel imposed the blockade one day after they began fighting with Hezbollah guerrillas in July.

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