Tuesday, August 1 2006 10:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: US President George W Bush yesterday (July 31, 2006) said Washington was working hard and urgently to get a 'sustainable' ceasefire in Middle East and that his administration was determined to resolve the crisis.

"We're going to work with our allies to bring before the United Nations Security Council a resolution that will end the violence and lay the groundwork for lasting peace in the Middle East," he said in Miami, Florida.

"As we work with friends and allies, it's important to remember this crisis began with Hezbollah's unprovoked terrorist attacks against Israel. Israel is exercising its right to defend itself. And we mourn the loss of innocent life, both in Lebanon and in Israel. We're determined to deliver relief to those who suffer. We're determined to work to resolve this crisis," he added.

The President went on to make the point that for a lasting peace certain clear objectives must be met including Iran and Syria ending support for the Hizbollah.

"Lebanon's democratic government must be empowered to exercise sole authority over its territory. A multinational force must be dispatched to Lebanon quickly so we can help speed the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Lebanese people.

"Iran must end its financial support and supply of weapons to terrorist groups like Hezbollah. Syria must end its support for terror and respect the sovereignty of Lebanon," he said.