France backs British initiative to sanction Hezbollah

France said on Thursday it hoped an initiative could be agreed by the end of June to put the armed wing of Hezbollah on the EU's list of terrorist organisations on grounds the group is importing Syria's war into Lebanon.

Paris has traditionally been cautious about backing steps to sanction Hezbollah, fearing it could destabilise Lebanon and put UN peacekeepers at risk, but in recent weeks has said it would consider all options. (Reuters)