Rice says everyone wants Lebanon ceasefire

WASHINGTON - The United States believes there should be a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and militant group Hizbollah in Lebanon as soon as possible, but only "when conditions are conducive," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said.

"When it is appropriate and when it is necessary and will be helpful to the situation I am more than pleased to go to the region," said Rice of her plans to visit the area to try to help curb the violence.

Asked if the United States believed there should be an immediate cease-fire, Rice told reporters, "We all agree that it should happen as soon possible when conditions are conducive to do so."

- REUTERS