ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin urged here on Friday all sides involved in the Middle East conflict to end military operations and bloodshed.

    "This should become the starting point for resolving all other problems," Putin said when meeting with youth delegates who came here to attend the G8 summit, which is to be convened on Saturday.

    Israel launched a retaliatory military operation in Lebanon after Hezbollah, a Lebanon-base guerrilla, captured two Israeli soldiers on Wednesday. The Israeli air force launched air strikes on several key locations, including the Beirut international airport. At least 50 Lebanese civilians were killed and over 100 wounded.

    Putin condemned taking hostages as a means of resolving problems, and the use of force as a response to such actions.

    "We will urge all the sides involved in the conflict to stop the bloodshed immediately," he said.

    Putin said he planned to discuss the issue with U.S. President George W. Bush, who had just arrived in St. Petersburg, and other G8 leaders on Saturday.

    The president said all military operations resulted in loss of life. "This is always a tragedy. And if there is a way to resolve a problem without resorting to force, this is optimal. In this case, we are facing a different situation" he added.

    The leaders of the United States, Britain, Japan, Italy, Germany, Canada and France will join Putin for Russia's debut G8 summit in St. Petersburg, the country's second largest city on July 15-17. Enditem