UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- The U.N. Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Lebanon.
Lebanon is expected to act on the measure Saturday and the Israeli cabinet is to take it up Sunday.
Both governments already have indicated approval of the measure.
There was no direct reference in the resolution on the sensitive release of prisoners in this resolution and a second resolution was expected after a cease-fire takes hold.
The measure passed Friday night calls for Lebanon to send 15,000 of its soldiers into the south of the country to take control of the region previously dominated by Hezbollah, as Israeli forces withdraw to behind the Blue Line.
The present U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon of some 2,300 is to be enhanced to a strength of 15,000 troops.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, one of half a dozen foreign ministers attending the council session, cast the U.S. vote, saying the measure will help Lebanon establish authority on its own territory, as both Hezbollah and Israeli forces withdraw.
She pointed out the resolution also calls for the international community "to impose a binding embargo" on arms shipped into Lebanon not destined for Lebanon's military.
"Today we call on every state, especially Iran and Syria" to observe the embargo, Rice said, referring to the two nations' alleged support of Hezbollah. "The people of the Middle East have lived too long exploited by extremists."
Concluded the secretary of state, building a "new foundation for a stable and sustainable road to peace ... is the only way to help the people of Lebanon, Israel and the Middle East" enjoy the lasting peace they deserve.
