Christians protest orders to leave base near Sidon

Israeli troops and armor encircled a Christian Phalangist military base in southern Lebanon in the first major confrontation between the two forces since Phalangists supported Israel's invasion of Lebanon 14 months ago.

The Israelis came to close down the base in the village of Kafr Falous, east of Sidon, after the fighters ignored orders to leave. Israel is preparing to redeploy its troops in the area. Meanwhile, US envoy Robert McFarlane met with Lebanese President Amin Gemayel to discuss the removal of foreign forces from the country.