UN peacekeepers begin arriving in Lebanon

Italian soldiers began arriving today in Lebanon, part of the first large contingent of international troops dispatched to boost the UN peacekeeping force here since a truce between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas was agreed three weeks ago.

Italian marines wearing blue berets arrived by helicopter in the Mediterranean port city of Tyre to secure two beaches where the remainder of an 880-strong battalion of Italian soldiers will land through the day. Another 200 Italian troops are expected tomorrow in the capital, Beirut.