CNN: Saudis call for cease-fire; more on the Rice "ceasefire" remarks

[chill_wind]

Rice: Conditions must be right for cease-fire
Top U.S. diplomat en route to Middle East

Monday, July 24, 2006; Posted: 1:11 a.m. EDT (05:11 GMT)

(...)
Saudis urge cease-fire

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said Sunday that he urged President Bush to call for a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Prince Saud al-Faisal met with Bush ahead of Rice's trip.

Al-Faisal said he brought a message from King Abdullah "about putting a stop to the bleeding in Lebanon."

"We requested a cease-fire to allow for the cessation of hostility, which would allow for the building of the forces of Lebanon in order to establish its sovereignty over the whole of its territory," he told reporters.

"We agree on the importance of stopping the fighting so the Lebanese government can extend its influence all over its territory," al-Faisal said. (Watch U.N. official shocked by damage in Beirut -- 3:05)

more: http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/24/mideast.diplomacy/index.html