Annan sees stop to fighting Monday

[Omaha Steve]

Full story: http://reuters.excite.com/article/20060812/2006-08-12T232834Z_01_N12407710_RTRIDST_0_INTERNATIONAL-MIDEAST-UN-ANNAN-DC.html



Annan sees stop to fighting Monday
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Aug 12, 7:28 PM (ET)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said on Saturday the prime ministers of Lebanon and Israel had agreed to stop fighting at 0500 GMT on Monday, August 14.

"I am very happy to announce that the two leaders have agreed that the cessation of hostilities and the end of the fighting will enter into force on 14 August, at 0500 hours GMT," Annan said in a statement.


Israeli soldiers rest before a mission into Lebanon at a gathering point near the Israel-Lebanon border in Israel August 12, 2006. REUTERS/Petr Josek



"Preferably, the fighting should stop now to respect the spirit and intent of the Council decision, the object of which was to save civilian lives, to spare the pain and suffering that the civilians on both sides are living through," Annan said.

He urged both sides to halt the fighting immediately, and assured them that the United Nations force on the ground would work with them to monitor compliance of the Security Council resolution approved Friday to stop the hostilities.

[AlamoDemoc]

1. A ceasefire is a ceasefire, period.

I don't understand why it has to drag out for another 72 hours. You have to wonder if these diplomats now the need to put and end to this.!

[uppityperson]

2. Glad they agreed to it happening in another 1 1/2 days.

Does this mean it will pick up/continue these next 1 1/2 days and then stop, or slow down now leading up to the moment of stoppage? Will be watching with interest late Sun night/Mon am.

[gula]

3. Just now on the 8pm news: Israel to take up to a week

to withdraw it's troops.

I guess there is still a house standing in Lebanon somewhere. I am beyond being able to speak of the civilians.

[mom cat]

5. They might be able to withdraw them quicker if they quit sending

more in!:grr:

[spindrifter]

4. Yeah, and I see * resigning on Monday...

not much chance of either happening....