Rice talks tough to Lebanon

The US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, has arrived in Beirut on a mission to seek a “sustainable solution” to the conflict between Israel and Lebanon. On meeting Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, who has constantly pleaded for an immediate ceasefire, she praised him for showing what she called “courage and steadfastness.”

Their talks last more than two hours but there is no word on the outcome. Afterwards, Rice met with Muslim Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri whom she told that “the situation on the border cannot return to what it was two weeks ago.”

Berri is a pro-Syrian politician who has liaised between Siniora and Hizbollah leaders since the war erupted. Rice reportedly said there would be no ceasefire before the militant group released the two captured Israeli soldiers. A message she is expected to repeat to leaders in Gaza and Jerusalem.

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