U.S. Seeks Support for Peace Forum

BEIRUT — A delegation of U.S. lawmakers met Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on Sunday to rally support for a proposed international conference aimed at bringing Israel and the Palestinians to the negotiating table.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell said last week that Washington was preparing for a Middle East peace conference this summer, although the White House later said the forum would probably not propose a final settlement.

“We had a good extended discussion about the secretary of State’s initiative and our country’s efforts to bring about a stop in violence in the Middle East and a resumption of negotiations toward a fair and lasting settlement,” Rep. David E. Price (D-N.C.) said after meeting Hariri.

Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat has welcomed the idea but says he wants to consult Arab leaders before accepting. Israel said it was seeking more details from the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is scheduled to meet President Bush on Tuesday.

Price said the U.S. “must stand for the security” of Israel.