Canada says quick force for Lebanon not likely

PARIS, July 18 (Reuters) Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper suggested today it would be premature to send an international force to Lebanon right now.

Speaking after a meeting with French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, Harper acknowledged that the idea of a multinational force for Lebanon was included in yesterday's declaration of leaders of the Group of Eight leading industrialised nations that he helped compose.

''At the same time, it has to be said the statement said several things that have to take place to bring about a cease-fire and for the ability to keep peace. And we are not very close to that possibility at the moment,'' he said.

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