U.S., France OK U.N. Mideast Truce Pact

[Omaha Steve]

Full story: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20060805/D8JAE3Q80.html

U.S., France OK U.N. Mideast Truce Pact
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Aug 5, 2:21 PM (ET)

By NICK WADHAMS

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The United States and France agreed Saturday on a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that calls for a halt to the fighting between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas, but would allow Israel to defend itself if attacked.

The draft, sent to the entire Security Council for consideration, "calls for a full cessation of hostilities based upon, in particular, the immediate cessation by Hezbollah of all attacks and the immediate cessation by Israel of all offensive military operations."

Israel, backed by the U.S., has insisted it must have the right to respond if Hezbollah launches missiles against it. France and many other nations had demanded an immediate halt to the fighting without conditions as a way to push the region back toward stability.


Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Wang Guangya speaks to reporters after a Security Council meeting regarding a Presidential statement on Lebanon, Thursday, July 27, 2006 at U.N. headquarters in New York. The Security Council approved a weak statement Thursday expressing shock and distress at Israel's bombing of a U.N. post in Lebanon that killed four unarmed military observers. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)


The agreement broke weeks of deadlock as the U.N. Security Council had failed to take any significant action to stop the violence, primarily because of opposition from the United States, Israel's closest ally.

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said the agreement will aid the peace process.

"What we're trying to do is lay in the foundation so that you can finally enact the provisions of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559," said Snow, speaking from Crawford, Texas, where President Bush was vacationing on his ranch.

[AlamoDemoc]

1. The US no longer regards the UN an instructions that cares humanity

Here's Bolton's humanity:

"I know those 15 minutes," said a deadpan Mr Bolton. "We have a bit longer than that, I think."

"There is an inherent amount of slippage in a process like this, but this really is business as usual."

[LordLovesAWorkingMan]

2. Isn't this good news?

Crickets seem to be chirping here. I'm glad SOMEONE'S ageeing to do SOMETHING...

[maddezmom]

3. duplicate topic

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=2437504