US state department says Palestinian security mechanism is working

The US State Department addressed the current situation in south Lebanon at a press conference today. Spokesman James Rubin called for both sides to "exercise maximum restraint" in dealing with the situation, echoing the declaration of the Five-Nation cease-fire monitoring group by calling for both Israel and the Lebanese resistance to cease all attacks on civilians and refrain from retaliatory attacks.

Rubin stated that the Palestinian situation in the aftermath of the Jerusalem market bombings was not helped by the Israeli refusal to hand funds over the Palestinian Authority. In the mean time, he said that the "mechanism created is working"--including security measures and other unspecified steps--to help ease the situation.

Rubin denied reports last week that Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was going to delay her trip to the region. Rubin said that Albright would visit the Middle East "very soon," most likely in September. Her visit will likely deal with easing the "crisis of confidence" currently taking place in the region.

A reported four-day visit by envoy Dennis Ross was also incorrect, according to Rubin, though he did not rule out the possibility that Ross would return to the region to continue talks.

Asked about rumors that Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat was being pursued by hit squads, Rubin flatly denied the reports' credibility, saying, "We have no reason to believe" that is the case.