Extra! Corrupt Israel-hating diplomat saves Middle East with sheer presence! Read all about it! UN chief in Beirut to shore up fragile peace.

BEIRUT (AFP) - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has met with Lebanese leaders in Beirut on the first leg of a Middle East tour aimed at strengthening the fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah.

“This is a very critical time for Lebanon, and I think it’s important that I’ve come here myself to discuss with the Lebanese authorities the aftermath of the war … and to underscore international solidarity,” Annan said on his arrival on Monday.