US, Britain criticised for not supporting Lebanon cease-fire calls

[tocqueville]

5 minutes ago

PARIS (AFP) - Growing calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East exposed an international rift with Britain and the United States refusing to back the appeals despite 10 days of fierce fighting.

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Thursday led the calls for a swift end to the conflict, which has so far claimed more than 330 lives and forced hundreds of thousands to flee. At least 33 Israelis have been killed.

France reiterated its appeal Friday, while the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican communion accused London and Washington of being out of touch with popular opinion.

In his strongly-worded address to the UN Security Council, Annan called for an "immediate cessation of hostilities", blaming both sides for the violence.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060721/wl_mideast_afp/mideastconflict;_ylt=AllWZsy7Edte3WkoHbWMrU0HcggF;_ylu=X3oDMTBjMHVqMTQ4BHNlYwN5bnN1YmNhdA--