Rice believes can forge Lebanon truce this week

Jerusalem, July 31: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice today said 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 Ms Rice said she would call for a UN resolution this week on the ceasefire and also the establishment of an international stabilisation force for Lebanon.

Ms Rice won a 48-hour suspension from Israel of its aerial bombardment of south Lebanon following an air strike on a Lebanese village yesterday that killed at least 54 people.

''I have been deeply grieved by the tragic losses we have witnessed, particularly of children,'' she said.

Israel also agreed to allow a 24-hour window for residents of southern Lebanon to leave the area if they wish. Ms Rice said she hoped this could be extended.

Reuters

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