Bush wants UN resolution on Lebanon conflict fast

CRAWFORD, Texas, Aug 7 (Reuters) President George W Bush resisted a demand by Lebanon Today that Israeli troops immediately withdraw from southern Lebanon, saying it could create a vacuum and allow Hizbollah guerrillas to rearm.

''Whatever happens in the UN, we must not create a vacuum into which Hizbollah and its sponsors are able to move more weapons,'' Bush said.

Bush told reporters he wanted a UN Security Council resolution as quickly as possible, as he and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice worked to satisfy Lebanese concerns about a draft resolution.

Rice said US negotiators at the United Nations have a ''strong basis for a cessation of violence'' and that ''it's going to be very important that the first resolution lay a quick foundation for a passage of a second resolution'' establishing an international force for Lebanon.

Opposition from Lebanon has caused the United States and France to delay a vote on a UN resolution that was agreed upon over the weekend.

Bush also strongly reiterated Washington's condemnation of Hizbollah for starting the three weeks of fighting with Israel and stressed the US view that a halt to combat had to be underpinned by prospects for a durable cease-fire.

Asked about Beirut's objection to Israeli forces staying in south Lebanon after a cease-fire is declared, Bush said he was worried that a ''vacuum'' would exist if they were withdrawn before an international force is deployed.

''Sometimes the world likes to take the easy route in order to solve a problem. Our view is it's time to address the root causes of problems, and to create a vacuum ... is unacceptable.'' Rice, calling the fighting a ''devastating and tragic set of circumstances for Lebanon and for Israel,'' said international powers were ready to listen to concerns of the main parties.

''But I want to just note, we believe that the extant draft resolution is a firm foundation, is the right basis, but of course we're going to listen to the concerns of the parties and see how they might be addressed. And that's really what's going to be going on today, particularly after the Arab League meets and (Lebanese) Prime Minister (Fouad) Siniora emerges from that.'' Bush was also asked about contacts with Syria and Iran, accused by Washington of backing Hizbollah.

He said that both those countries knew the U.S. position.

''There's a way forward, the choice is theirs,'' Bush said.

REUTERS MQA RK2248