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CNN Live Today

Iraqi Prime Minister Addresses Congress

Aired July 26, 2006 - 11:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We are at the top of the hour. Let's take a look at what we know right now.
From Rome, diplomats from around the world say they will continue talks on ending the crisis in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, U.N. chief Kofi Annan is calling for international peacekeepers to help stabilize southern Lebanon.

New aid is on the way for the growing number of wounded in that region. Just over an hour ago, a third Jordanian military plane delivered medical supplies to Beirut.

From Lebanon to Israel, Syria to Cyprus, CNN has reporters all across the region bringing you the latest on the fighting and diplomatic efforts to end it. Live reports are straight ahead.

Some lawmakers wanted to roll up the welcome mat, but Iraq's prime minister is going ahead with an address to a joint meeting of Congress, as we look at a live picture from Capitol Hill. That is set to begin any minute now.

Our congressional correspondent, Dana Bash, joins me from Capitol Hill. And contributing to our coverage, as well, our international correspondent, Arwa Damon, is live from Baghdad.

Ladies, good morning.

Dana, let's start with you.

Any representatives planning on being no-shows this morning?

DANA BASH, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: You know, a couple of them, maybe more than a couple, did say yesterday that they were planning on not going, on boycotting this speech. And essentially, the reason is not because of specifically of what's going on in the ground in Iraq, but because of what they saw as controversial statements that the Iraqi prime minister and other Iraqi leaders have made about the situation going on between Hezbollah and Israel. Specifically, they said that they were upset about statements by the prime minister blaming Israel for its actions on -- in that area and not doing the same for Hezbollah.

But, interestingly, the Democratic leader, Harry Reid, after a meeting with the Iraqi prime minister this morning, said essentially that after a conversation with him that he is satisfied with the Iraqi prime minister's response. The big issue was whether or not he would clarify his position on Hezbollah. Does he consider that a terrorist organization?

And what Senator Reid said is that during the meeting, the Iraqi foreign minister said that he was instructed at a meeting of the Arab League to join in other Arab nations in condemning Hezbollah. Senator Reid, the Democratic leader, said that that was clarity for him on the Iraqi government's position there, and he said he is not going to push this issue anymore. He said the point has been made.

Other Democrats may not agree with that. That is going to be something that we are going to watch when the prime minister speaks.

But, big picture here, Republicans, Daryn, are trying to make the case that they do not want this issue overshadowing what really matters to them, which is that almost 130,000 U.S. troops are in that country, that this is the man that they have staked a lot on, and that they really want to be listening very closely for what he has to say not about what's going on with Hezbollah or Israel. but what is going on in his country. Whether they should have the confidence in him going forward to do what it takes to get that country secure and, most importantly, to begin to bring U.S. troops home.

KAGAN: All right, Dana. Thank you.

It looks like we're getting closer to the speech. While we wait for that, let's go ahead to go to Baghdad, to Arwa Damon.

Arwa, I would imagine the comments the prime minister made yesterday during that news conference didn't really cause that much of a ruffle back home in Iraq.

ARWA DAMON, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That's right. And here is the interesting point. It's going to be whether or not Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's comments that he's going to be making to Congress are going to address the Middle East crisis as a whole, he's going to focus more on what's happening in Iraq. And this comes at a crucial time for this country.

There's been a massive uptick in violence over the last few weeks. Hundreds of Iraqis have been killed or wounded here. And this happens on a day-to-day basis.

And the faith among the Iraqi government in their government is shaky at best. Now their prime minister is traveling to the United States, a country that they know can help support them both militarily, financially, perhaps economically, and further investment in this country.

They want their prime minister to be able to prove himself in the sense that, can he stand up to U.S. pressure to perhaps back down on some of his demands? Is he going to stand firm in front of the U.S. administration, in front of the U.S. Congress, and really address them and fight for what he believes in and for what the Iraqi people believe in? And that's going to be for those Iraqis who are following what it going on.

And now that being said, we have spoken to some Iraqis who have said, "It really doesn't matter if the prime minister travels to the United States or not. We're living the reality here. Until we see something tangible that is changing in the way that we go about our daily lives, it doesn't matter who he is talking to."

But perhaps for those who are following it, exactly how strong of a stance Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki takes on the issues that are so crucial here and stability throughout the Middle East could help the Iraqi people gain a little bit more confidence in their government -- Daryn.

KAGAN: What kind of covering will the speech get? It's obviously quite -- quite a bit later into the day there in Baghdad.

DAMON: Well, it will play out on Iraqi national television. They did carry yesterday's speech, Nuri al-Maliki's speech, alongside President Bush's speech, live. It will be playing out on the Arabic satellite channel Al-Iraqi (ph), being the state-owned channel, Al Arabiya, Al Jazeera.

For those who are able to watch television, they will most likely be following it. Now, bearing in mind electricity is quite a shortage here, and a lot of times when you ask people, did you follow said events, have you caught this on the news, they'll say, "Oh, no. We couldn't. Our power was out. We couldn't get gas for our generators so we weren't able to watch it."

So it really depends on that -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And as -- thank you.

Arwa Damon, live in Baghdad.

It looks like now, as we take a live picture from Capitol Hill, from the House, that the prime minister is walking in, making his way down the aisle, stopping to greet a number of lawmakers along the way, followed by the Senate majority leader, Bill Frist, and the Senate minority leader, Harry Reid.

Making his way down the aisle.

Do we have Dana while we're waiting for this?

BASH: Hi, Daryn. Daryn, I'm here.

KAGAN: Dana, Bill Frist made rounds on the morning shows, including "AMERICAN MORNING," where he came out and not necessarily defended the prime minister, but basically said this is a sovereign leader, he was elected, and we need to support that rather than the comments that he made on Israel.

BASH: That's exactly right. Look, the bottom line when you talk to, as you said, Senator Bill Frist or other Republicans, is that Iraq, when they talk to their constituents -- remember, we are three months before a U.S. election -- Iraq is topic one, two, and three, they say, many of them say, when they go home and talk to them. So that is why they really want to keep the focus on what we're about to see here, what he is going to say, whether or not he really will perhaps, in the words of one congressman I was talking to, educate the American people about what's really going on in a candid way on the ground in Iraq.

They want to see that he actually has what it -- what it takes to do this "nitty gritty of governance." That's a quote from the Senate Foreign Relations chairman, Dick Lugar, who I talked to, whether he has what it takes to take this war-torn country into a place where it is stable and U.S. troops can come home.

So far, they -- many people here note that the violence has gone up since he has been in office and not gone down. And that is why there is a lot of consternation, as you can imagine, about what is going on, on the ground. And they are listening very closely to what he is going to say about the plans that he has.

Let's listen.

KAGAN: Let's listen.

(APPLAUSE)

NOURI AL-MALIKI, PRIME MINISTER OF IRAQ (through translator): Thank you. Thank you.

In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful, Your Excellency, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Vice President, honorable ladies and gentlemen, members of Congress. it is with great pleasure that I am able to take this opportunity to be the first democratically and constitutionally elected prime minister of Iraq to address you, the elected representatives of the American people. And I thank you for affording me this unique chance to speak at this respected assembly.

Let me begin by thanking the American people, through you, on behalf of the Iraqi people, for supporting our people and ousting dictatorship. Iraq will not forget those who stood with her and who continues to stand with her in times of need.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you for your continued resolve in helping us fight the terrorists plaguing Iraq, which is a struggle to defend our nation's democracy and our people who aspire to liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. All of those are not Western values; they are universal values for humanity.

(APPLAUSE)

They are as much for me the pinnacle embodiment of my faith and religion, and they are for all free spirits.

The war on terror is a real war against those who wish to burn out the flame of freedom. And we are in this vanguard for defending the values of humanity.

(APPLAUSE)

I know that some of you here question whether Iraq is part of the war on terror. Let me be very clear: This is a battle between true Islam, for which a person's liberty and rights constitute essential cornerstones, and terrorism, which wraps itself in a fake Islamic cloak; in reality, waging a war on Islam and Muslims and values.

(APPLAUSE)

And spreads hatred between humanity, contrary to what come in our Koran, which says, "We have created you of male and female and made you tribes and families that you know each other." Surely (inaudible) of you in the sight of God is the best concept.

The truth is that terrorism has no religion. Our faith says that who kills an innocent, as if they have killed all mankind.

Thousands of lives were tragically lost on September 11th when these impostors of Islam reared their ugly head. Thousands more continue to die in Iraq today at the hands of the same terrorists who show complete disregard for human life.

Your loss on that day was the loss of all mankind, and our loss today is lost for all free people.

(APPLAUSE)

And wherever humankind suffers a loss at the hands of terrorists, it is a loss of all of humanity.

It is your duty and our duty to defeat this terror. Iraq is the front line in this struggle, and history will prove that the sacrifices of Iraqis for freedom will not be in vain. Iraqis are your allies in the war on terror.

(APPLAUSE)

History will record their bravery and humanity.

The fate of our country and yours is tied. Should democracy be allowed to fail in Iraq and terror permitted to triumph, then the war on terror will never be won elsewhere.

Mr. Speaker, we are building the new Iraq on the foundation of democracy and are erecting it through our belief in the rights of every individual -- just as Saddam has destroyed it through his abuse of all those rights -- so that future Iraqi generations can live in peace, prosperity and hope.

Iraqis have tasted freedom and we will defend it absolutely.

(APPLAUSE)

Every human possesses inalienable rights which transcend religion. As it is taken in the International Convention of Human Rights, they transcend religion, race and gender. And God says in the Koran, "And surely we have honored all children of Adam."

I believe these human rights are not an artifact construct reserved for the few. They are the divine entitlement for all.

(APPLAUSE)

It is on this unwavering belief that we are determined to build our nation, a land whose people are free, whose air (ph) is liberty, and where the rule of law is supreme.

This is the new Iraq, which is emerging from the ashes of dictatorship and despite the carnage of extremists, a country which respects international conventions and practices noninterference in the internal affairs of others, relies on dialogue to resolve differences, and strives to develop strong relations with every country that espouses freedom and peace.

(APPLAUSE)

We are working diligently so that Iraq returns to take the position it deserves and it plays a positive role in its regional and international environment as a key, active player in spreading security and stability, to give an example of positive relationship between countries through denouncement of violence and resorting to constructive dialogue, solving problems between nations and peoples.

And we have made progress. And we are correcting the damage inflicted by politics of the previous regime, in particular with our neighbors.

My presence here is a testament of the new politics of a democratic Iraq.

Ladies and gentlemen, in a short space of time, Iraq has gone from a dictatorship to a transitional administration, and now to a fully fledged democratic government.

This has happened despite the best efforts of the terrorists who are bent on either destroying democracy or Iraq, but by the courage of our people who defied the terrorists every time they were called upon to make a choice, by risking their lives for the ballot box. They have stated over and over again, with their ink-stained fingers waving in pride, that they will always make the same choice.

(APPLAUSE)

Over fear...

PROTESTER: Iraqis want the troops to leave! Bring them home now! Iraqis want the troops to leave! Bring them home now!

HASTERT: If our honored guest will suspend for the moment, the chair notes disturbance in the gallery. The sergeant at arms will secure order by removing those engaging in disruption. (APPLAUSE)

PROTESTER: Bring them home now!

HASTERT: The gentleman may resume.

Hope over fear; liberty over oppression; dignity over submission; democracy over dictatorship; federalism over a centralist state.

Let there be no doubt: Today Iraq is a democracy which stands firm because of the sacrifices of its people and the sacrifices of all those who stood with us in this crisis from nations and countries.

(APPLAUSE)

And that's why -- thank you -- I would like to thank them very much for all their sacrifices.

Iraqis of all persuasions took part in the unanimously democratic election for the first parliament formed under the country's first permanent constitution after eight decades of temporary constitutions and dictatorship, a constitution written by the elected representatives of the people and ratified by the people.

Iraqis succeeded in forming a government of national unity based on an elected parliamentary foundation, and includes all of Iraq's religions, ethnicities and political groupings.

The journey has been perilous, and the future is not guaranteed. Yet many around the world who underestimated the resolve of Iraq's people and were sure that we would never reach this stage. Few believed in us. But you, the American people, did, and we are grateful for this.

(APPLAUSE)

The transformation in Iraq can sometimes be forgotten in the daily, futile violence.

Since liberation, we have witnessed great accomplishments in politics, the economy and civil society. We have gone from a one- party state, ruled by a small elite, to a multi-party system where politics is the domain of every citizen and parties compete at all levels.

(APPLAUSE)

What used to be a state-controlled media is now completely free and uncensored, something Iraq had never witnessed since its establishment as a modern state and something which remains alien to most of the region.

What used to be a command economy in Iraq, we are rapidly transforming into a free market economy.

In the past three years, our GDP per capita has more than doubled. And it is expected that our economy will continue to grow. Standards of living have been raised for most Iraqis as the markets witness an unprecedented level of prosperity. Many individuals are buying products and appliances which they would never have hoped to afford in the past.

And, in keeping with our economic vision of creating a free market economy, we will be presenting to parliament legislation which will lift current restrictions on foreign companies and investors who wish to come to Iraq.

(APPLAUSE)

While we are making great economic strides, the greatest transformation has been on Iraqi society.

We have gone from mass graves and torture chambers and chemical weapons to a flourishing -- to the rule of law and human rights.

The human rights and freedoms embodied in the new Iraq and consolidated in the constitution have provided a fertile environment for the ever-growing number of civil society institutions...

(APPLAUSE)

... which are increasing in scope and complexity and provide a healthy reflection of what is developing beneath the violence.

The rights chartered in the constitution will also help consolidate the role of women in public life as equals to men.

(APPLAUSE)

And help them to play a greater role in political life.

(APPLAUSE)

I am proud to say that a quarter of Iraq's Council of Representatives is made up of women, but we still have much to accomplish.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, our nascent democracy faces numerous challenges and impediments, but our resolve is unbreakable and we will overcome them.

The greatest threat Iraq's people face is terror: terror inflicted by extremists who value no life and who depend on the fear their wanton murder and destruction creates.

They have poured acid into Iraq's dictatorial wounds and created many of their own.

Iraq is free, and the terrorists cannot stand this.

They hope to undermine our democratically elected government through the random killing of civilians. They want to destroy Iraq's future by assassinating our leading scientific, political and community leaders. Above all, they wish to spread fear.

Do not think that this is an Iraqi problem. This terrorist front is a threat to every free country in the world and their citizens. What is at stake is nothing less than our freedom and liberty.

Confronting and dealing with this challenge is the responsibility of every liberal democracy that values its freedom. Iraq is the battle that will determine the war. If, in continued partnership, we have the strength of mind and commitment to defeat the terrorists and their ideology in Iraq, they will never be able to recover.

(APPLAUSE)

For the sake of success of the political process, I launched the National Reconciliation Initiative, which aims to draw in groups willing to accept the logic of dialogue and participation. This olive branch has received the backing of Iraq's parliamentary blocs and support further afield from large segments of the population.

I remain determined to see this initiative succeed.

But let our enemies not mistake our outstretched hand for forgiveness as a sign of weakness. Whoever chooses violence against the people of Iraq, then the fate that awaits them will be the same that of the terrorist Zarqawi.

(APPLAUSE)

While political and economic efforts are essential, defeating terror in Iraqi relies fundamentally on the building of sound Iraqi force, both in quantity and capability. The completion of Iraq's forces form the necessary basis for the withdrawal of multinational forces. But it's only then, only when Iraq's forces are fully capable, will the job of the multinational forces be complete.

Our Iraqi forces have accomplished much and have gained a great deal of field experience to eventually enable them to triumph over the terrorists and to take over the security portfolio and extend peace through the country.

The other impediment to Iraq's stability are the armed militias. I have on many occasions stated my determination to disband all militias without exception...

(APPLAUSE)

... and re-establish a state monopoly on arms and to guarantee citizens security so that they do not need others to provide it.

It is imperative that the reconstruction starts now.

While small sections of central Iraq are unstable, large sections have remained peaceful, but ignored. For far too long, these were most deprived areas of Iraq under the previous regime and have been the most valiant in Iraq's struggle for freedom. We need to make an example out of these stable areas as models for the rest of the country.

(APPLAUSE)

Reconstruction projects in these areas will tackle unemployment, which will weaken the terrorists. They will become prototypes for other, more volatile regions aspire to. Undoubtedly, reconstruction in these areas will fuel economic growth and show what a prosperous, stable, democratic and federal Iraq would look like.

Members of the Congress, in this effort, we need your help. We need the help of the international community.

Much of the budget you had allocated for Iraq's reconstruction ended up paying for security firms and foreign companies, whose operating costs were vast. Instead, there needs to be a greater reliance on Iraqis and Iraqi companies, with foreign aid and assistance to help us rebuild Iraq.

(APPLAUSE)

We are rebuilding Iraq on a new, solid foundation: that of liberty, hope and equality. Iraq's democracy is young, but the will of its people is strong. It is because of this spirit and desire to be free that Iraq has taken the opportunity you gave us and we chose democracy.

We faced tyranny and oppression under the former regime. And we now face a different kind of terror. We did not bow then and we will not bow now.

(APPLAUSE)

I will not allow Iraq to become a launch pad for al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.

I will not allow terror to rob Iraqis of their hopes and dreams. I will not allow terrorists to dictate to us our future.

(APPLAUSE)

For decades, we struggled alone for our freedom. In 1991, when Iraqis tried to capitalize on the regime's momentary weakness and rose up, we were alone again.

The people of Iraq will not forget your continued support as we establish a secure, liberal democracy. Let 1991 never be repeated, for history will be most unforgiving.

(APPLAUSE)

The coming few days are difficult and the challenges are considerable. Iraq and America both need each other to defeat the terror engulfing the free world.

In partnership, we will be triumphant because we will never be slaves to terror, for God has made us free. Trust that Iraq will be a grave for terrorism and terrorists.

(APPLAUSE)

Trust that Iraq will be the graveyard for terrorism and terrorists for the good of all humanity.

Thank you very much.

(APPLAUSE)

KAGAN: Standing ovation for Iraq's prime minister, Nuri Al Maliki, as he addresses a joint meeting of Congress, a very appreciative speech, one that many times expressed his and Iraq's appreciation for all that the United States has done in liberating Iraq from Saddam Hussein.

What was not said in that, there was no mention as there was yesterday in the news conference with President Bush, no mention of Israel or Hezbollah. It was focused strictly on Iraq, and the prime minister saying no one should doubt that Iraq is part of the war on terror. And Iraqis, he says to the United States, are your allies on terror.

With more on what we heard and what we did not here, let's welcome in our Dana Bash on Capitol Hill -- Dana.

DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, well, you're exactly right. You talked about it in terms of the issue that we've been hearing. Democrats say they wanted to hear from the prime minister about his stance on Hezbollah. You did you not hear that. But he did appear to try to make it very clear in more general terms, that he said Iraqis are your allies in the war on terror. And to that, he did get a standing ovation among members of Congress there. So that seemed to be message he was sending with that statement.

More broadly, what you heard from the Iraqi prime minister was him trying to do what you hear the White House say over and over again, which is try to impart some of what he said is good news and progress being made in Iraq. First of all, just the fact, he said, that he's standing there is an indication of Democratic progress, but also talked about the economy, and so forth.

But did make clear that, obviously, they do have work to do when it comes to the security aspect of Iraq, and that is what certainly members of Congress are most keen and most interested in hearing.

Unclear if some members of Congress I talked to, some of them, frankly, who are in tough races this election year because of Iraq, whether they heard what they need to hear with regard to that one critical issue, which is the issue of security and whether he really does have what it takes or has a plan on that issue. Of course he did talk about that in great detail with President Bush yesterday, and the fact they are on plan B when it comes to security. They're going to move more U.S. troops into Baghdad because of the uptick in violence in that city -- Daryn. Dana Bash on Capitol Hill.

Let's see how this might play back in Baghdad and across Iraq. And for that, let's go live to Baghdad and our Arwa Damon.

Arwa, it is early evening there in Baghdad. You were explaining to us before the speech, a limited number of Iraqis might be able to hear this only because of the power situation and electricity; how many would even have access to television or radio to hear this address before this joint meeting of Congress?

ARWA DAMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Daryn.

And in fact, even as that meeting was going on, there is the usual gunfire that is echoing behind me over Baghdad, and that is the reality of the ground here. Iraqis have heard these words from their prime minister in the past, this promise that Iraq is going to fall to terrorists, that Iraqis will continue to fight, that the government will continue to fight for the rights of the Iraqi people, that women will be granted their rights, that the economy will be rejuvenated, that violence will come to an end, and what they want to see is action. To give you an example, the prime minister spoke about women's rights.

The reality on the ground here is that women's rights are actually becoming more restricted. They're being forcibly controlled and confined in their lives by extremist groups.

He spoke about Iraqi security forces. The job there, although there is progress on a day-to-day basis, is enormous. He spoke about rejuvenating the economy, about getting foreign investment into Iraq. A lot of foreign investors do stay away because of the security situation.

He spoke about giving Iraqis a greater role, giving Iraqi companies a greater role. For that, the country needs to have some kind of finances to do that.

The number one problem is oil. The oil is not flowing adequately in a way so that the money from those cells is become recirculated into the Iraqi economy. Iraqis still wait for hours just to get enough gas to power up their generators.

And in a sense, what he is saying is exactly the kind of Iraq that Iraqis want to have. They want to live in the words that the Iraqi prime minister there did describe. That is exactly what they're looking for. However, how close the country is to that, and exactly how much faith Iraqis have, specifically in this government and in these Iraqi security forces to provide them right now is very shaky -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Arwa Damon, live from Baghdad, thank you. Our thanks to Dana Bash as well on Capitol Hill.

I want to also bring you this other story coming to us out of Iraq about Saddam Hussein. He is picking how he would say he would die if he gets the death penalty. He said execution by firing squad, not by hanging. That's what he says he wants if he is sentenced to death.

The former Iraqi leader was in court again today. He was as combative as ever. Hussein complained that he had been brought to court by -- and brought to court forcibly from a hospital after an 18- day hunger strike. He also had some choice words for his court- appointed attorney.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SADDAM HUSSEIN, FMR. IRAQI DICTATOR (subtitles): You are my enemy.

JUDGE (subtitles): He is your representative.

HUSSEIN (subtitles): Why would you turn yourself into an enemy of the people? Why?

JUDGE (subtitles): Sir, read your statement.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

HUSSEIN (subtitles): The Canadian wrote it down for him. I challenge him to write 20 lines himself. The American spy has written it for him.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Well, during that tirade, Saddam Hussein called on his followers to oust the Americans.

Some call him a typical teenager, as we turn to news here in the U.S. Police are calling him the prime suspect in the highway sniper shootings. New developments from Indiana and a courtroom there. That's ahead on CNN, your most trusted name in news.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Let's focus now on news happening in Indiana. A sniper suspect in court today, a teenager.

Fredricka Whitfield has more on that -- Fred.

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: A 17-year-old, Zachariah Blanton, was in court today, facing charges of murder, attempted murder and criminal recklessness. You see the pictures right there of the 17-year-old being escorted into court. He was an avid hunter who lived with his grandparents and, according to police documents, he was angry after a hunting trip and decided to take it out on innocent civilians, according to police, by taking post along the highway.

Apparently he was apprehended because, police say, an acquaintance of Zachariah Blanton told police that he thought he knew who did it. Through good police work, say the officials, they were then able to locate Zachariah Blanton. His next hearing is scheduled for September 13th. A tentative trial date has been scheduled for December 13th -- Daryn.

KAGAN: All right, Fred. Thank you.

Let's get back to the Middle East now, and update you on what we know at this hour.

Diplomacy, but no deal. At a Mideast summit today in Rome, the U.S. insist Hezbollah be disarmed before any cease-fire, but Arab and European negotiators want a cease-fire first.

Lebanese security sources at least three precision-guided bombs hit a U.N. post near the border yesterday. Four U.N. observers were killed. Israel's foreign minister offered condolences and said the strike was not deliberate.

Back to Rome, where talks in the Middle East crisis snagged over the push for the immediate cease-fire. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan calls for the formation of an international force in Lebanon. Secretary of State Rice says the international community will discuss the issue in the next few days, but she says any cease-fire must be sustainable.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, SECRETARY OF STATE: It is also the case that we talked about how to move forward, and not just to talk about it, but indeed, to take action to move forward. We are all agreed that we want most urgently to end the violence on a basis that this time will be sustainable. Because unfortunately, this is a region that has had too many broken cease-fires, too many spasms of violence, followed then by other spasms of violence.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Diplomats did agree on humanitarian and reconstruction packages, but those can't be carried out until the fighting stops.

From Israel, there's a new development today regarding Ariel Sharon. The former Israeli prime minister has been moved to intensive care. A hospital representative says bacteria was detected in Sharon's blood. He is being given I.V. antibiotics and is undergoing treatment for fluid build-up. Sharon has been in a coma since a stroke in January. The hospital says there's been no change in the condition of his brain.

Let's get back to that story in Southern Lebanon, where four U.N. peacekeepers were killed after some Israeli air strikes. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, just a few minutes ago commented on that incident.

Let's listen in.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN BOLTON, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: Our condolences certainly go to the families of the deceased, and to their governments. And it is a tragedy. There's no question about it.

We are pleased that the government of Israel has announced that it will conduct an immediate investigation. We expect it will be thorough and highly professional. They have described the incident as one that's an operational mistake.

The government of Israel has definitively said that they were not deliberately targeting the UNIFIL outpost. We certainly take them at their word and note that there's no evidence to the contrary.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: A U.N. officer says that those four peacekeepers were from Austria, Finland, Canada and China. U.N. peacekeepers have long been involved in Southern Lebanon and other hot spots.

With more on that, here's a "Fact Check."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The goal is peace; the price paid sometimes is death for United Nations peacekeepers on missions around the world.

The current U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon began in 1978. One of the initial objectives was to oversee the Israeli withdrawal from Southern Lebanon. That was achieved after only 22 years, in 2000, and the area remained a powder keg.

There are currently nearly 2,000 U.N. peacekeeping troops in Lebanon, drawn from eight countries: China, France, Ghana, India, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Ukraine. The force also includes about 50 military observers and nearly 400 civilian personnel. Before the outbreak of the latest fighting, 249 peacekeeping troops and eight other U.N. staff had died in Lebanon.

The mission in Lebanon is one of 18 U.N. peacekeeping operations underway around the world. About 90,000 U.N. personnel are serving in such countries as India, Pakistan, Sudan, Haiti, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Syria and Liberia. The operations don't come cheap: the U.N.'s peacekeeping budget for the fiscal year ending last month was about $5 billion.

Since the creation of the U.N. in 1945, more than 2,200 U.N. peacekeepers have died carrying out their missions.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Those U.N. peacekeepers lost their lives in Southern Lebanon. Now we are looking at live pictures from Tyre, Lebanon, where the bombing has resumed again. These strikes happening just a few minutes ago. These pictures coming to us from our affiliate Al- Jazeera. Much more information as it's available, and live pictures as bombing resumes and continues in Southern Lebanon. We'll have more on that just ahead. Also more news from right here in the U.S. We're talking about the searing heat. You take that, you take away electricity, multiply it by several days. It's a miserable equation.

An update on CNN, the most trusted name in news.

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KAGAN: And these are pictures and images that we're seeing coming from Tyre, Lebanon, from the southern part of the country. Israeli airstrikes continuing this day. This is the fourth-largest city in Lebanon. This kinds of gives you a perspective of a where it is in relation to the border with Israel and Beirut. As I said, the fourth-largest city, a city that has come under a number of attacks as it is in the southern part of the country where Israelis believe it is a stronghold for Hezbollah.

A city that has struggled as the bombings have continued even just to have regular supplies delivered, a city under siege. The bombings continue there in Southern Lebanon today. More information on that as it becomes available.

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KAGAN: That's going to wrap up the hour. I'm Daryn Kagan. Keep watching CNN. YOUR WORLD TODAY coming up next. More on new airstrikes in Tyre and the efforts toward diplomacy in Rome.

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