there is NO "immediate cessation of violence," in US/France deal.

[rodeodance]

U.S. Ambassador John Bolton and French President Jacques Chirac's office confirmed that agreement had been reached.

Officials with knowledge of the document said the draft calls for a "full cessation" of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, but would allow Israel the right to launch strikes if attacked by Hezbollah.

But it does not call for an "immediate cessation of violence," those officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the draft had not yet been made public.

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20060805/D8JABCI81.html

[Oversea Visitor]

1. Then why waste time

if not going to make any different.
And if a one sided approach can work geee
Maybe make it worse :(

[rodeodance]

3. it is a shame if this true.

[NVMojo]

2. gee, did we convince the French to become neocons like us?

[MrPrax]

4. Chirac is rightwing...

and so is the government -- so why people would seem shocked by France's unflinching support of Israel and Israel's right to occupy other countries.

If anything, Hezbollah's proposal seems the most rational...just pull it back to the alleged kidnapping -- afterall, Israel's action are illegal and France or anyone else can't 'agree' it away that easily.

Even more ridiculous given that these negotiations were based on events three weeks ago; too much has happened since that point to make the idea of a 'international force' going in and doing the work of Zionists, even more stupid.

Besides, if Israel doesn't like it on the ground, then Israel will simply continue to do what it wants -- unless there is a strong incentive placed on Israel (which there will never be), then it's pointless and will be like any of the other 'incremental' peace plans that, in hindsight, have only gone to favour Israeli propaganda motives and have done nothing for any of the affected people.

France leadership is a joke much like Britain's -- the public in those countries are hostile, but the elites still humilate themselves to the US Zionist cause.

[leesa]

5. Why is Chirac working with Bolton? Has Bolton convinced Chirac that

goading Iran and Syria into an all-out war will be good fer bidness?