As Bush Outlines Cease-Fire Terms, U.N. Talks Stall

The resolution drafted by the U.S. team would include terms for a cease-fire, outline a set of political principles for a long-term settlement of regional tensions and define a mandate for the international force. The force would back up the Lebanese army as it asserts authority in regions now controlled by Hezbollah and block import of new weapons for the militia.

All armed groups would be prohibited in the zone where the international force is deployed, and no foreign troops except the stabilization force would be allowed in Lebanon. The Lebanese government and army would assume responsibility for disarming militias, with the "appropriate" assistance by the stabilization force, Rice said.

Despite its caution, France along with Spain has been privately approaching governments with U.N. peacekeepers to see whether they would be prepared to serve in a more robust European force, according to a senior diplomat.

But Bush made it clear he does not plan to volunteer U.S. troops. "Probably not, but we would be glad to help, you know, with logistics and/or command and control," he told Fox News. "Most nations understand that we won't have troops there on the ground."

Lebanese officials expressed impatience with the diplomacy. Acting Foreign Minister Tarek Mitri appealed to the Security Council for an immediate cease-fire and an international investigation into the Israeli attack on Qana.

"This is a deliberate massacre against civilians," Mitri told reporters after addressing the council. "The civilians in Qana had been given the choice of either staying in a shelter or leave because they were asked to leave. How could they leave and all the roads are bombarded?"

Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, a favorite of Bush's, called on the president to step in to stop further Israeli attacks. "More has to be done in terms of exercising real pressure on the Israelis," Siniora told ABC News. "I don't think that what has been done is enough yet."

Bush came under criticism from his own party, too. "The sickening slaughter on both sides must end now," Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) said in a Senate floor speech. "President Bush must call for an immediate cease-fire. This madness must stop."

The Middle East crisis ended up swamping Bush's two-day trip here to talk about domestic issues and collect money for the fall congressional campaign. He had breakfast with local business leaders, visited the National Hurricane Center, delivered an economic speech, took a boat tour of the Port of Miami, gave a series of interviews and headlined a Republican fundraiser at an exclusive Coral Gables estate.

But he talked about the Middle East at almost every stop. At times, he seemed distracted from his ostensible purpose. At the National Hurricane Center, where he hoped to show that the government is now better prepared than when Katrina devastated New Orleans last year, Bush noted that the peak of hurricane season ends in September, only to be corrected by the center's director, who said it ends in October.

Aides decided not to cancel the trip despite the dramatic developments in the Middle East because they view it as unhealthy to allow the presidency to be consumed by a single issue. But the contrast at times appeared jarring. Bush shared a crab dinner Sunday night with actor Andy Garcia, Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino and other former football players. And a White House handout on Monday's events was headlined "A Day in Miami," giving the impression of a relaxed summer jaunt.

Throughout the day, Bush defended Israel. "As we work with friends and allies, it is important to remember this crisis began with Hezbollah's unprovoked terrorist attacks against Israel," he said in a speech at the Miami port, with the Coast Guard cutter Valiant in the background. "Israel is exercising its right to defend itself. And we mourn the loss of innocent life, both in Lebanon and in Israel."

He also linked the current crisis to the U.S. battle with al-Qaeda. "For decades, the status quo in the Middle East permitted tyranny and terror to thrive," he said. "And as we saw on September the 11th, the status quo in the Middle East led to death and destruction in the United States, and it had to change. So America is opposing the forces of terror and promoting the cause of democracy across the broader Middle East."

Staff writers Colum Lynch at the United Nations and Michael Abramowitz in Washington contributed to this report.