France circulated a revised U.N. resolution Thursday calling for an immediate halt to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah and listing conditions for a permanent cease-fire. The new draft reiterates France's call “for an immediate cessation of hostilities” and emphasizes “a lasting solution to the current crisis between Israel and Lebanon.” According to the draft, the conditions include the release of the two Israeli soldiers whose kidnapping sparked the current fighting, “settlement of the issue of the Lebanese prisoners detained in Israel,” and marking the international borders of Lebanon, including in the disputed Chebaa Farms area. The draft resolution demands the disarmament of all militias in Lebanon and the extension of the Lebanese government's authority throughout southern Lebanon, which is currently controlled by Hezbollah. It includes establishing a buffer zone where only Lebanese security forces and U.N.-mandated international forces would be allowed. The conditions are listed in greater detail than the original French draft circulated on Saturday. “I think we are making progress, I would say real progress,” French Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sabliere told reporters, though he cautioned that a Security Council resolution might not be adopted quickly.
