Paris says Lebanon's move on disarmament plan a 'new positive step'

France has called the cabinet's decision to ask the Lebanese Army to implement the disarmament plan "a new positive step."

"France calls on all Lebanese actors to support the peaceful implementation of the plan without delay," the French foreign ministry said.

Amid heavy pressure from the United States and fears Israel might intensify its military operations, the government last month ordered the army to draw up a plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year.

At a meeting on Friday snubbed by Hezbollah and its allies, the cabinet welcomed the army's plan.

Speaking afterwards, Information Minister Paul Morcos said the army would begin implementing the plan "in accordance with the available capabilities".

He said the army commander had warned of "constraints" on the plan's implementation, particularly "Israeli attacks", and gave no timeframe for the operation.

A government statement conditioned progress on "the commitment of other parties, foremost Israel".

The government says Hezbollah's disarmament is part of the implementation of a US-brokered ceasefire that ended more than a year of hostilities between its fighters and Israel in November.

Israel has kept up its strikes on Hezbollah targets despite the truce, saying they will continue until the group has been disarmed.

It has also maintained troops in five places in the south it deems strategic.