Britain says open to Hezbollah talks

The British government has switched policy by saying it is open to talks with the political wing of Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah, officials said on Wednesday.

"We have reconsidered the position ... In light of more positive developments within Lebanon," Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell told a parliamentary committee. "For that reason we have explored establishing contacts." He said he was referring to the formation in July last year of a unity government in which Hezbollah and its allies hold effective veto power. (Reuters)