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    ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, July 16 (Xinhua) -- French President Jacques Chirac said here Sunday that forces which threaten Lebanon's security and sovereignty must be stopped.

    Chirac made the remarks at the start of a meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush on the sidelines of the Group of Eight (G-8) summit, which opened later on Sunday.

    "I totally agree with the opinion of George Bush that it is essential to apply (UN Security Council Resolution) 1559. For this,all forces which threaten and endanger the security, stability and sovereignty of Lebanon must be stopped," said Chirac.

    The Resolution 1559, adopted in September 2004, called for disarming all militias and strict respect for Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence under Lebanese government authority.

    Israel launched its offensive Wednesday on Lebanon in retaliation for the capture of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah guerillas. Early on Sunday, Israel intensified its air strikes on Hezbollah's stronghold in the southern suburbs of Beirut with a new wave of bombings.

    Meanwhile, at least eight Israelis were killed and many others wounded in rocket attacks against Israel's northern city of Haifa by Hezbollah militia on Sunday morning, according to Israeli media reports.

    On the escalation of violence between Israel and Lebanon, Chirac called for "the protection of civilians, moderation and a durable ceasefire (between Israel and Lebanon)."  Enditem