Diplomats at the United Nations say Britain, France and the United States are reported to be close to agreeing a UN resolution calling for an immediate end to the fighting in Lebanon.
The three countries are hoping to present the first part of a two-stage peace plan to the other 12 members of the UN Security Council later today.
It is understood a second resolution would be proposed at a later stage, focusing on a long-term settlement, including authorisation for an international peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Foreign Minister, who is visiting Syria, said Damascus has promised to use all of its influence on Hezbollah in an attempt to bring an end to fighting in Lebanon.
Miguel Angel Moratinos, a former EU Middle East envoy, was speaking to journalists after meetings with the Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, and other senior officials as part of an EU drive to end the conflict.
The comments came as Muslim nations demanded an immediate UN Security Council-backed ceasefire in the Middle East.
A draft statement from the Organisation of the Islamic Conference called on the UNSC to fulfil its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security without any further delay.
