US hopes for UN vote on West Asia fighting end by Friday

WASHINGTON, Aug 3 (Reuters) The United States still hopes for a UN resolution by tomorrow that would aim to bring about an end to the fighting between Israel and Hizbollah guerrillas in Lebanon despite allies' disagreements that have delayed its passage.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters today that if the the United States did not meet its tomorrow goal, it will keep working weekend to strike an agreement in the following days.

''We certainly would hope that we could achieve something by tomorrow, but if not, we are prepared ... to work all throughout the weekend if necessary to get something done, because we are working on an urgent basis to bring about an end to the fighting in such a way that is lasting and durable,'' he said.

The United States and France are working on an initial UN resolution that would call for a truce in the three-week-old war.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said earlier this week that she hoped for a resolution within days. But French UN Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sabliere said today he was less confident than a day earlier that a Security Council resolution would be adopted within days on the fighting.

The Security Council usually needs 24 hours notice after a resolution is introduced formally. So far this has not occurred, suggesting Washington may not meet its tomorrow goal.

The United States has had few backers other than Britain over its refusal to demand a cease-fire by Israel, its top West Asia ally.

Its position has put it at odds with some European countries, particularly France, raising fears the allies could become distant again as they did during the buildup to the Iraq war.

Reuters SBA GC2345