Thursday, August 10 2006 12:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: French and American negotiators failed to reach an agreement on the re-wording of parts of a resolution calling for cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, thus further delaying its introduction in the Security Council.

The two had finalised a resolution on Saturday but strong opposition from Lebanon and Arab League unravelled parts of the draft and the two are now trying to negotiate fresh language.

Diplomats said yesterday the resolution could still be adopted this week but did not rule out the negotiations dragging into the next week, saying differences were still substantial.

Complicating the situation further are Israel's decision to expand the war, Hizbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrullah's rejection of the French-American draft as 'unfair and unjust' and threat to continue the fight against Israelis and French hinting at the possibility of introducing their own resolution if no agreement is reached.

Under discussions are two provisions which form the backbone of the resolution-- timing of the Israeli withdrawal and composition of the stabilisation force. The draft to which the two had agreed to had called for Hizbollah ending all attacks and Israel stopping its offensive actions.

But it did not mention anything about Israel withdrawal. Arabs want Israel to withdraw immediately after the cessation and 15,000 Lebanese soldiers helped by United Nations force take control of the South which borders Israel and has been stronghold of Hizbollah.