Lebanon says Rice unwelcome before ceasefire

BEIRUT, July 30 (Reuters) Lebanon told U S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice today that it could not meet with her before a ceasefire ends a 19-day-old Israeli offensive, Lebanese officials said.

The officials said Rice, who was due in Beirut later today, was informed of the Lebanese position after an Israeli airstrike killed more than 40 civilians in south Lebanon.

They said Rice's visit to Beirut has been cancelled.

Reuters SP RS1408