Military leaders meet in Paris to mull post-UN mission plans

AI Summary

European and Arab military leaders convened in Paris to evaluate the Lebanese Armed Forces' requirements and discuss the upcoming conclusion of the UN peacekeeping mission amid concerns of a potential Israeli military campaign in southern Lebanon. Ongoing US-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon appear unlikely to lead to a breakthrough ahead of elections in both countries.

PARIS, Sept 17 (Reuters) - European and Arab military chiefs will meet in Paris on Thursday to assess the Lebanese Armed Forces' needs and discuss the looming end of a United Nations peacekeeping mission, amid fears of a renewed Israeli military campaign in southern Lebanon. Israel and Lebanon have held several rounds of U.S.-brokered talks aimed at easing tensions along their border. But with elections in Israel and the United States approaching in the coming weeks, diplomats say a breakthrough is unlikely.