U N's Annan expects Europeans in Lebanon force

BRUSSELS, July 18 (Reuters) U N Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today he expects European nations to contribute troops to a proposed stabilisation force to end fighting in southern Lebanon.

''It is urgent that the international community acts to make a difference on the ground,'' Annan told a news conference in Brussels. ''I would expect a force that will have a modified and different concept of operation and with different capabilities.

I would expect contributions from European countries and countries from other regions.'' He was speaking after talks with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who said some European Union member states had expressed their willingness to contribute to the proposed force.

The United States and Israel have cast doubt on the idea, with Washington questioning how such a force would restrain Hizbollah guerrillas from attacking Israel, and Israeli officials saying the idea is premature.

Reuters SHB RS1432