Saturday, July 29 2006 10:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Backing an international force to return peace in Lebanon, US President George W Bush yesterday (July 28,2006) said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would visit the region tomorrow for talks with the warring countries.

"Secretary Rice will return to the region. She will work with the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to seize this opportunity to achieve lasting peace and stability for both of their countries," Bush said at a joint press conference with visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The US President, however, sidestepped a question on the composition of the international force not wanting to get on record now whether the United States will be a contributor nation.

"Our top priorities in Lebanon are providing immediate humanitarian relief, achieving an end to the violence, ensuring the return of displaced persons and assisting with reconstruction," he said.

"We recognize that many Lebanese people have lost their homes, so we'll help rebuild the civilian infrastructure that will allow them to return home safely," he said.

Next week, the UN Security Council will meet as well. Our goal is a Chapter 7 resolution setting out a clear framework for cessation of hostilities on an urgent basis, and mandating the multinational force the President remarked clearly giving the impression that Rice will not be travelling to Damascus or meeting with any Syrian leaders in any formal sense.