STRASBOURG - Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora on Wednesday called on Israel to pull its troops out of his country immediately or risk jeopardising the current ceasefire.

"In order for the current cessation of hostilities to be sustained, Israel must withdraw without further delay from the position it still occupies within Lebanon and must stop its violation of Lebanese territory," Siniora told the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The Israeli army has suspended its withdrawal from southern Lebanon, where it still controls the border with Israel.

Disputes over how the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers will deal with Hezbollah fighters is holding up the troop withdrawal, Israel's military chief of staff said on Wednesday.

The Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah has agreed to abide by the ceasefire but has resolutely refused to lay down its arms until it is satisfied that Israel has ended its occupation of Lebanese territory.

"There is also need for concrete steps towards putting an end to the Israeli occupation of the Sheba farms," Siniora told the assembled European deputies.

The disputed territory at the junction of Lebanon, Syria and Israel was captured by the Jewish state as part of the Syrian Golan Heights during the 1967 war.

"We expect our friends, particularly members of the (UN) Security Council will play an active role in helping resolve the Sheba farms issue," Siniora added. "It is time for Israel to put an end to the constant circle of violence which endangers our region."

He said Lebanon would only recognise Israel once the Jewish state had implemented UN resolutions going back 40 years.

"Yes we will recognize the state of Israel, but on the basis of Israel accepting the implementation of the international resolutions which have been lying there for 40 years," he said.

On the disarmament of Hezbollah, he said this could only be done after Israel ends its occupation.

"We have to put an end to the occupation and ... through dialogue, through cooperation, through removing all the excuses there won't be any valid arguments for the continuation of weapons in the hand of Hezbollah," he said.

"There can't be a state within the state and there can't be weapons that are being held by any group, by any armed group other than the forces of the legitimate Lebanese government."

Copyright © 1999-2006 Lebanonwire^®.com. All rights reserved.