Rice cancels U.N. visit as issues grow over Mideast cease-fire plans

[Purveyor]

Chicago Tribune

WASHINGTON - Nine days after suggesting that a U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at quelling Mideast fighting was close at hand, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice canceled a trip to the U.N. on Wednesday as significant differences remained between Washington and its allies over how to achieve a cease-fire.

The key sticking point, especially between the U.S. and France, centers on the details of an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, an issue that did not appear close to resolution Wednesday as Israeli officials approved a plan to expand their ground offensive against Hezbollah guerrillas. While Bush administration officials declined to comment publicly on whether the Israeli expansion would help or hinder diplomatic efforts, a senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, called it a "clear message" aimed at pressing the U.N. into quick action.

Although U.S. officials have generally avoided discussing the details of their negotiations, Rice said on July 31 that the ground was prepared for an "urgent and comprehensive" resolution to be passed by the end of last week. Then Sunday, National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley said that U.S. officials hoped for a vote by Tuesday morning.

By Wednesday, after Rice's entourage canceled reservations for a block of rooms at a Manhattan hotel, the growing frustration was clear among top U.S. officials. Rice had expected to help wrap up negotiations on the resolution in New York.

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