UN supports Lebanon govt call for ceasfire

BEIRUT, July 17: A UN team sent to Lebanon to seek a solution to the crisis between Israel and Hizbollah today said it supported the Lebanese government's call for a ceasefire but urged the release of two Israeli soldiers.

''The UN supports the Lebanese government and the prime minister ... and supports the call for a ceasefire,'' said Vijay Nambiar, chief of the special UN delegation sent by Kofi Annan to Lebanon.

''We call for the release of the captives as part of the solution to this conflict,'' he told reporters.

REUTERS