Annan urges Israel to end blockade

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan today called on Israel to end its air and sea blockade of Lebanon and appealed for the quick release of two Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah guerrillas.

Mr Annan arrived in Israel this afternoon after visiting UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon who are to play a key role in maintaining the fragile truce that ended 34 days of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.