Condi goes to the Mideast, Blair visits Bush

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is preparing a proposal today for a diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Hezbollah fighting .

Rice is planning to leave for the Mideast on Sunday for negotiations.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Tony Blair is travelling to Washington one week from today to discuss the Middle East.

The following was released today by the White House press secretary:

********************** Visit of British Prime Minister Tony Blair

WASHINGTON, July 21 - President Bush will welcome British Prime Minister Tony Blair to the White House on July 28, 2006.

The United States has no closer ally and partner than the United Kingdom, and the president appreciates the prime minister's leadership and vision.

The two leaders will consult on efforts to secure a lasting peace in the Middle East, consolidate democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan, prevent Iran from obtaining the means to build nuclear weapons, end the genocide in Darfur, and promote free and fair trade.

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