Barak and the withdrawal from south Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said he is trying to reach an agreement concerning the withdrawal from south Lebanon during the period of time left until the date he set for such a withdrawal in July, saying that such an agreement will minimize casualties among the Israeli soldiers.

Barak has repeated his claim that the Israeli army will be deployed regardless of conditions on the international borders with Lebanon by this date. He indicated a possible withdrawal of the Israeli army from south Lebanon before July.

Israel radio said that Barak's statements were made during his meeting with the representatives of the Israeli Four Mothers organization in his office in occupied Jerusalem on Friday.

The Four Mothers organization announced earlier its call for immediate Israeli Army withdrawal from south Lebanon in a tent of protest they installed near Barak's house in occupied Jerusalem.

The women evacuated the tend on Friday following their meeting with Barak.