Lebanese government approves UN resolution

Lebanon’s cabinet tonight unanimously accepted the UN ceasefire plan to halt fighting between Israel and Hezbollah fighters, moving the deal a step closer to implementation, the prime minister said.

“It was a unanimous decision, with some reservations,” Prime Minister Fuad Saniora said in announcing Lebanon’s acceptance of the resolution after a four-hour cabinet meeting.

Hezbollah’s Mohammed Fneish, minister of hydraulic resources, said the two Hezbollah members expressed reservations, particlarly over an article in the resolution that “gives the impression that it exonerates Israel of responsibility for the crimes” and blames Hezbollah for the month-long war.

“We will deal with the requirements of the resolution with realism in a way that serves the national interest.”