French President Nicolas Sarkozy has asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be informed in advance of any military offensive mounted by Israel against Lebanon, Lebanon's Al Mustaqbal newspaper reported on Tuesday. According to the report, the French leader made this request during his talks with Netanyahu held last month in Paris.
The newspaper added Sarkozy asked for the prior announcement to avoid any life losses among the French peacekeeping forces in " UNIFIL. Sources in the Elysee told the Beirut-based newspaper that Sarkozy fears that Netanyahu had already taken the decision to attack Lebanon.
The newspaper, quoting "informed sources" in Paris added that Sarkozy learnt on the Israeli intentions following his recent talks in Washington. "These talks confirmed the Israeli intentions to wage war on Lebanon in order to inflict a heavy blow to Hizbullah.
