Britain for supporting negotiations on Syrian and Lebanese tracks

Israeli radio reported that British Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed Britain's readiness to support any negotiations to reach an agreement on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks.

Following his meeting on Friday night in London with British Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blair said he supports the Wye River agreement with the Palestinians.

Replying to a question asked in the press conference he held in London on honoring Lebanon's sovereignty, Netanyahu said, "This question should be addressed to another side rather than Israel," commenting on reports that said Syrian warplanes were flying in Lebanese airspace while the new Lebanese President Emile Lahoud was taking his constitutional oath.

Netanyahu also said that a political settlement cannot be attained in Lebanon without Syria's consent, adding, "Security arrangements can be made."

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Israel Knesset said following his meeting on Friday night in Paris with the French prime minister, "Israel's plan to withdraw from south Lebanon is still valid."

He added that Israel still asks for France's help in carrying out this step, whose content has not been disclosed.