Lebanon negotiating a deal for Israel to lift blockade

A deal is being worked out under which Israel would end its air and sea blockade of Lebanon in return for the Lebanese government requesting French and other international forces to monitor its coastline, a government official said Wednesday.

The official said under the deal a simultaneous declaration would announce an end to the siege Israel has

imposed on Lebanon since fighting broke out July 12 and Lebanon's request for Western naval forces to monitor shipping. (AP)