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UN Security Council Expresses Shock At Qana Bombing

July 31, 2006 -- The UN Security Council has voted unanimously to express "extreme shock and distress" at the Israeli attack in Qana that left at least 54 people dead, many women and children.

"The [UN] Security Council strongly deplores this loss of innocent lives and the killing of civilians in the present conflict, and requires the secretary-general to report to it within one week on the circumstances of this tragic incident," said Jean Marc de la Sabliere, France's UN ambassador and the current president of the Security Council.

But the statement did not call for an immediate truce, as requested by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan but opposed by the United States.

The council did not mention a U.S. announcement that Israel would stop aerial bombing in southern Lebanon for 48 hours, presumably because Israel had not confirmed it.

Early on July 31, there were reports Israeli warplanes had launched raids on eastern Lebanon, however, the Israeli military denied this.

In Jerusalem, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said today she believes a cease-fire to end fighting between Israel and the Hizballah guerrilla group in Lebanon could be forged this week.

She was speaking before heading back to Washington, following talks with Israeli leaders.

Rice said there is an emerging consensus with the Israelis on what is necessary for both an urgent cease-fire and lasting settlement.

(compiled from agency reports)

Copyright (c) 2006. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org