French plan south Lebanon rescue

About 2,000 French nationals have already been rescued

About 400 French nationals are trapped in southern Lebanon as clashes in the region continue, French Defence Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie says.

She told France's RMC Info radio that Paris would mount an operation to get them out, but gave no details.

Mrs Alliot-Marie said about 2,000 French citizens - or 10% of the French community in Lebanon - had already been evacuated from the country.

Thousands more foreigners are arriving in Cyprus from Lebanon today.

FOREIGNERS IN LEBANON Sri Lanka: 80,000 Canada: 40,000 Philippines: 30,000 Australia: 25,000 US: 25,000 UK: 22,000 (inc. 10,000 with dual nationality) France: 20,000 India: 12,000 Figures correct at start of conflict Stranded in the war zone

A troop transport vessel, the Sirocco, was due to dock in Lebanon's capital, Beirut, over the weekend to evacuate more people, Mrs Alliot-Marie said.

Another French ship - a frigate - was already in the port.

The French government has also closely co-operated with Greece, chartering Greek ferries to help in the evacuation.

About 1,300 British nationals arrived in Cyprus on Friday after being evacuated on a Royal Navy ship, HMS Bulwark.

And about 1,000 US citizens have also disembarked there from the USS Nashville after being rescued by US marines on Thursday.

The Philippines and Bangladesh are still trying to find ways to evacuate tens of thousands of their citizens.