Bush sticks to call for lasting peace

US President George W. Bush reiterated that he wants a sustainable end to the violence between Israel and Lebanon rather than a quick ceasefire.

"I assured the people here that we will work towards a plan in the United Nations Security Council that addresses the root causes of the problem," he told reporters.

Israel launched its onslaught on Lebanon after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid on July 12. The United States has refused to call for an immediate halt to the conflict, which, like Israel, it blames on Hezbollah and its allies, Syria and Iran.

At least 577 people have been killed in Lebanon, although the health minister puts the toll at 750 including bodies still buried under rubble. Fifty-one Israelis have been killed.

After the Qana raid, Lebanon called off planned talks with Rice, telling her to secure an unconditional ceasefire first.

"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," Rice told reporters in Jerusalem.

Senior Israeli officials said the government wants to pursue its military offensive until an international force arrives because Hezbollah could exploit any pause to regroup.

Once approved by the UN Security Council, the first contingent of a stabilization force could be in south Lebanon within days, Israeli officials and Western diplomats said.

French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin welcomed Israel's air strike freeze, but said it was not enough. Paris, which is seen as a potential leader of an international force in south Lebanon, has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire.

As well as partially suspending air strikes, Israel gave 24-hours for residents to leave and to get aid to the worst-hit villages. Two UN aid convoys left Beirut for Tyre and Qana.

Source: China Daily