Italy readying evacuation plan for Lebanon

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's foreign ministry said on Friday it was preparing an evacuation plan for its nationals in Lebanon's capital Beirut, where Hezbollah fighters and pro-government gunmen have been battling for three days.

A ministry spokesman said the plan was not operational yet and would be enforced only if necessary.

He said Italians in certain parts of the city were being offered safe shelter if they wanted to leave their homes.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart)