US expects Lebanon violence to end in days: Rice

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2006

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told Israeli radio she hoped a Lebanon ceasefire would take effect in "a day or so" after approval of a UN resolution by the Lebanese and Israeli cabinets.

Her comments came shortly before Lebanese Finance Minister Jihad Azour told AFP that his government, which includes Hezbollah representatives, unanimously had voted in favor of the UN resolution calling for an end to hostilities with Israel.

He said the approval came "despite some reservations."

Rice said she expected Israel's cabinet to approve the UN resolution Sunday. It provides for the deployment of a robust international peacekeeping force but allows Israel to withdraw gradually from Lebanon and respond to attacks by the Hezbollah militia....