France says there’s no need for Israel to worry about Hizballah re-arming themselves, now that the blue helmets are on the scene: France calls for end to Lebanon blockade.

BEIRUT, Lebanon - The French foreign minister on Wednesday called for Israel to lift its air, naval and land blockade of Lebanon, saying it was unnecessary with the U.N.-imposed cease-fire holding.

Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy was in Beirut with his Turkish counterpart to discuss the deployment of a 15,000-strong international force to south Lebanon, amid doubt over whether Hezbollah would lay down its arms or even withdraw them from the border with Israel. …

The blockade was instituted shortly after fighting began July 12, when Israel bombed the Beirut international airport, blocked seaports and began destroying road links to Syria.

“The blockade imposed on the airport and Lebanese ports should be lifted. We ask Israeli authorities to lift the land and sea siege on Lebanon. And we ask the Lebanese government to strengthen monitoring” of points of entry to insure Hezbollah weapons are banned, Douste-Blazy said.

“There is no longer a reason for Israel to continue the blockade,” he added.