Arab League head eyes Lebanon ceasefire, says Hezbollah idea persists

The secretary-general of the Arab League, Ahmed Abul Gheit, hopes for an "immediate" ceasefire in Lebanon which will end the ordeal of the people.

“We will not wait too long to achieve the desired breakthrough because the situation is dangerous..," Abul Gheit told reporters after meeting Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri.

The Arab League official also criticized the failure of the UN Security Council to take action against Israel's attack on UN peacekeepers and posts in southern Lebanon.

He called for the immediate implementation of UN resolution 1701. The resolution prohibits the presence of the Lebanese Hezbollah militia in the border area with Israel and gives sole authority to the Lebanese army and United Nation Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) south of the Litani River.

The UN mission monitors the border area between Lebanon and Israel. More than 10,000 UN soldiers from more than 50 countries are involved.

"Resolution 1701 is pivotal and should be implemented literally and as quickly as possible. We do not allow the cruelty with which UNIFIL was treated in southern Lebanon," Abul Gheit said.

The Arab diplomat was asked if he believes Hezbollah has been destroyed by Israel but he replied: "You cannot destroy an idea."

The UN mission monitors the border area between Lebanon and Israel. More than 10,000 UN soldiers from more than 50 countries are involved.