Int'l peaceforces urgently needed in Lebanon-Bush

WASHINGTON, Aug 21 (Reuters) An international force is urgently needed to keep peace on the Lebanese-Israeli border, U S President George W. Bush said today as he announced a 230 million dollars aid package to Lebanon that includes 25,000 tons of wheat.

''The need is urgent,'' Bush said of peacekeepers. He urged the forces ''deploy as quickly as possible to keep the peace.'' The Lebanese government has estimated that the damage from the war will cost 3.6 billion dollars to repair. A donors conference on humanitarian aid is set for August 31 in Stockholm and a second meeting may be held to address Lebanon's shattered infrastructure.

''America will do our part, it will assist the new international force with logistic support, command and control, communications and intelligence,'' Bush said.

U S assistance will include 42 million dollars to train and equip the Lebanese armed forces as well as a team to help respond to the oil spill off the coast.

REUTERS MS RN2035