Clinton Calls For An Immediate Cease-Fire In Lebanon

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (CNN, April 18) -- President Bill Clinton, arriving here on the final stop of an around-the-world diplomatic mission, called tonight for an immediate Mideast cease-fire. (182K WAV sound)

Clinton expressed his sympathies to the families of those killed in an Israeli attack on a U.N. peacekeeping base and said he has directed Secretary of State Warren Christopher to go to the region to try to broker a peace.

At least 75 Lebanese civilians who had taken shelter at the base were reported killed.

"An end to the fighting is esessential to allow our diplomatic efforts to go forward," Clinton said. The president is in Russia for an international summit on nuclear safety issues.

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