Monday, July 31 2006 12:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: The United Nations Security Council unanimously deplored Israel's deadly attack on Qana village in Lebanon, which killed at least 59 people, including 37 children, but the United States blocked attempts to call for an immediate ceasefire.

Expressing 'extreme shock and distress' the Security Council in a statement read out at an emergency meeting last evening took the American line in stressing the 'urgency' of securing a lasting, permanent and sustainable ceasefire and promised to work without any further delay towards that end.

The Council has before it a French draft resolution which is expected to be debated over the next few days. But it is not clear as to when it would be voted.

Explaining the American position, US Ambassador John Bolton gave the well known argument that his country does not think that simply returning to business as usual is a way to bring about a lasting solution.

"What is important today is to address the tragic loss of civilian life," he said.

The US, however, asked Secretary General Kofi Annan to report back within a week on the circumstances of the 'tragic incident.'

The statement did not mention anything about Israeli decision to stop aerial bombardment for 48 hours.

Earlier, addressing the open meeting of the Council, Annan made an impassioned plea to the Council to call for immediate ceasefire, warning that its failure to act decisively would undermine the credibility of both the United States and the Council itself.