Special report: Israel-Lebanon Conflicts   [Video][Gallery]

Special report: Israel, Lebanon agree on ceasefire

    

British Prime Minister Tony Blair (L) made a speech in a news conference with his Lebanese counterpart Fouad Siniora(Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

BEIJING, Sept.12 (Xinhuanet) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair, on a visit marked by protests and boos to Beirut, pledged on Monday to help Lebanon with its reconstruction after the Israel's war with Hezbollah.

    About 2,000 Lebanese protested against Blair's visit, accusing him of siding with Washington against a quick ceasefire in the Israeli-Hezbollah war.

    A woman with a banner reading "Blair.... you killer....go to hell" shouted "Shame on you." Another protester, a student, said: "Blair is the killer of Lebanese children."

    Several Lebanese government ministers refused to meet him, though Blair said in a news conference that Britain was ready to provide "training, equipment, any help we can give," to Lebanon. 

    He also said Britain would commit over 40 million pounds (75 million U.S. dollars) in aid to Lebanon this year and "was ready to do more."

    He said he was not surprised by the strong feelings of those who accused him of backing Israel's month-long offensive, which killed more than 850 people in Lebanon, most of them civilians. Enditem

(Agencies)

Blair's perceived support of Israel has angered many Lebanese. (File Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

      

Blair offers to help Lebanon's reconstruction

    BEIRUT, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair Monday pledged here on Monday to help with Lebanon on reconstruction after the 34-day conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah.