US, France reach deal on UN West Asia resolution

UNITED NATIONS, Aug 5 (Reuters) The United States and France today reached an agreement on a UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to fighting between Israel and Hizbollah guerrillas as the first step toward a political settlement of the conflict, French officials said.

The full, 15-nation Security Council was scheduled to meet later today to review the text, which is expected to be adopted within the next few days, the officials said.

According to a communique issued by France, the draft calls for a ''full cessation of hostilities'' and a commitment to work ''on a permanent cease-fire for a long-term solution.'' REUTERS SHB RK2050