Annan calls for 'concrete, practical steps' to resolve crisis in Middle East

Announcing plans for a meeting on Monday of potential troop contributors to a United Nations stabilization force in southern Lebanon, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said yesterday it was time for "concrete, practical steps" to end the hostilities in the region and protect civilians from further attack. "We've gone beyond statements and exhortations .. We're looking for concrete, practical steps to take action."