Rice believes can forge Lebanon truce this week
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-07-31 14:18
Jerusalem - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Monday she
believed a ceasefire to end fighting between Israel and the Hizbollah guerrilla
group in Lebanon could be forged this week.
"This morning, as I head back to Washington, I take with me an emerging
consensus on what is necessary for both an urgent ceasefire and lasting
settlement. I am convinced we can achieve both this week," she told reporters in
Jerusalem.
Rice said she would call for a UN resolution this week on the ceasefire and
also the establishment of an international stabilisation force for south
Lebanon, which she said she hoped could be deployed as soon as possible after
the UN resolution.
"There is broad agreement that armed groups must be prohibited in areas where
the international force is deployed," she said, adding an arms embargo must be
enforced.
Rice welcomed a 48-hour suspension from Israel of its aerial bombardment of
south Lebanon following an air strike on a Lebanese village on Sunday that
killed at least 54 people.
"I have been deeply grieved by the tragic losses we have witnessed,
especially the deaths of children, Lebanese and Israelis. Too many families have
been displaced from their homes. Too many people urgently need medical care or
are living in shelters," she said.
Israel also agreed to allow a 24-hour window for residents of southern
Lebanon to leave the area if they wish. Rice said she hoped this could be
extended to improve the humanitarian situation and allow the delivery of aid.
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