Annan calls for release of Israeli soldiers

UN secretary-general Kofi Annan demanded today that Hezbollah release two captured Israeli soldiers to the international Red Cross and that Israel lift its air and sea blockade of Lebanon.

Visiting Beirut on the first leg of an 11-day Middle East tour, Mr Annan said he was renewing his “call for the abducted soldiers to be free” and urged Hezbollah to transfer them to the Lebanese government “or a third party” under the auspices of the international Red Cross.