Annan To Mediate Between Israel, Hizballah

Annan told a press conference in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, today that both sides had agreed for him to negotiate between them on the issue.

Annan has said he will appoint a  mediator who will operate secretly. He did not comment on  whether the mediation effort would center on proposals for prisoner swaps.

Israel has said the capture of its two soldiers was the reason for its 34 days of ground, air, and sea assault on  Lebanon.

Hizballah has said it will only free the two Israelis as part of a swap for prisoners held by Israel.

(compiled from agency reports)