Peretz meets German FM, says offensive to continue

Peretz says offensive in Lebanon will continue Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz said Sunday that the 12-day-old offensive in Lebanon would continue as Israel tries to push Hizbullah guerrillas away from the border. "We are continuing with the operation, and the goal is to create a situation in which we have as broad a space for diplomatic movement as possible," Peretz said after meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. "The goals we set for ourselves will be achieved." The meeting between Steinmeier and Peretz was one of a series of diplomatic meetings Sunday aimed at ending the offensive in Lebanon. French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy was also scheduled to meet with Israeli officials and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was headed to the region as well.