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

    Special report: Israel, Lebanon agree on ceasefire

    BEIRUT, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr said on Tuesday that Lebanon and Italy would work together in terms of military support.

    After meeting with visiting Italian Defense Minister Arturo Parisi, Murr said: "We discussed the cooperation between the Lebanese military and Italian naval forces (including) the weaponry needed by Lebanese troops to defend their country."

    "I will visit Italy soon to hold in-depth discussions over the issue," he added.

    Parisi arrived in Beirut on Tuesday on board an Italian military plane, accompanied by Italy's army commander.

    "Italy is keen on supporting the Lebanese people to recover their sovereignty, and reinforcing the state's authority over its territories," Parisi told reporters here.

    Parisi also held talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora. No comments were released after the meeting, but the local press reported that in the meeting Siniora had urged Italy to take an active role in the reconstruction of Lebanon.

    Parisi's one-day trip coincided with the 1,000-strong Italian force, which landed in Lebanon last week, becoming fully operational and taking control of a 275-square-km sector stretching along the coast from the Israeli border to the Litani River. Enditem