President Bush says the United States and its allies are working to quickly get a UN resolution to end Israel-Hezbollah violence.
Speaking today at his Texas ranch, Mr. Bush said diplomats are working on twin resolutions to stop the violence and restore Lebanon's sovereignty. He said the resolutions will also address the root cause of the violence, which he said is Hezbollah acting as a state within a state in Lebanon.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she believes the resolutions are a reasonable basis to move forward on.
In New York, the UN Security Council is discussing amendments to a draft sponsored by France and the United States.
Meanwhile, Lebanon's government has agreed to send 15,000 soldiers to south Lebanon when Israeli troops withdraw from the country. Lebanon's information minister announced the decision after a cabinet meeting today.
Lebanon is urging the Security Council to demand an immediate Israel pull out from the country. An Arab League envoy Yahya Mahmassani says the withdrawal is a top priority.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora met with Arab foreign ministers in Beirut to discuss the draft. They are sending a delegation led by the United Arab Emirates to the Security Council to relay their concerns.
The resolution before the Security Council calls for an immediate end to all Hezbollah attacks on Israel and requires Israel to stop offensive military operations. It urges the "disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon."
Information for this report is provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.