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Bush administration pushing for quick approval of cease-fire resolution

Associated Press

CRAWFORD, Texas – President Bush said Monday he recognizes that Israel and Hezbollah are objecting to parts of a Mideast cease-fire resolution but said “we all recognize that the violence must stop.”The president said the United States and its allies were pressing for a comprehensive solution that would restore Lebanon’s sovereignty and provide a lasting peace.Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spoke about the Mideast during a meeting with reporters at his Texas ranch. Rice is expected to go to the United Nations for deliberations on twin resolutions for a cease-fire and the establishment of a peacekeeping force.She called the resolutions “a reasonable basis that I think both sides can accept” once details are worked out.Bush said he understood that both parties “aren’t going to agree with all parts of the resolution.” He said the intent of the measure was to strengthen the Lebanese government and address the root cause of the violence, which he said was the fact that Hezbollah was acting as a state within a state.”Whatever comes out of the resolution must address the root cause,” the president said.Bush blamed Syria and Iran for fomenting trouble by supporting Hezbollah.”Syria and Iran sponsor and promote Hezbollah activities all aimed at creating chaos, all aimed at using terror to stop the advance of democracies,” the president said.Bush said the United States has been in touch with Syria through lower-level diplomats and “they know exactly what our position is. The problem is: their response hasn’t been very positive.”As for Iran, Bush noted that the United States and other nations are pressing Tehran to stop uranium enrichment. He said if Iran agreed, the United States would participate in talks with Tehran.


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