After twelve years, the Lebanese army has re-opened the Kfar Falous crossing in southern Lebanon which links the Jezzine area, controlled by pro-Israeli militia, with the coastal city of Sidon.

It was closed after Israeli occupied the area it calls its security zone in southern Lebanon.

This forced people in Jezzine -- the largest Christian town in the south -- to take a circuitous route to enter the rest of Lebanon.

A prominent Jezzine resident and former diplomat, Simoun Karam, said the reopening brought closer the possibility of a complete Israeli withdrawal.

He said it would bring economic benefits to the local population and important political gains for Lebanon as a whole.

The re-opening was announced by the Lebanese government after a visit by a senior American official, Martin Indyk.

Reports in the Lebanese media said Mr Indyk --the former U.S. ambassador to Israel-- had given assurances that the pro-Israeli South Lebanon Army would not shell the crossing.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©