S SAYS WILL STICK TO PRINCIPLESA senior U

The important efforts are those on the ground," said a European diplomat.The Bush administration is pressing for a ceasefire that would include three elements: a halt to rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza, the opening of border crossings into the territory and an end to smuggling into the area through tunnels from Egypt.U.S SAYS WILL STICK TO PRINCIPLESA senior U.S. official said while the United States backed Mubarak's initiative, Washington would not back down on its basic elements of a ceasefire."We will not change our principles," the senior U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters.U.S. backing for the Egyptian ceasefire proposal is in contrast to its strong distaste for a draft resolution offered by Libya which Washington and its allies see as anti-Israeli.Despite the opposition, Libyan Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdel-Rahman Shalgam was upbeat about the prospects of getting through his resolution and told reporters he would press ahead with trying to get a vote in the Security Council.U.N. deliberations on Gaza are expected to resume on Wednesday morning and Western diplomats said it was very unlikely the Libyan resolution would be voted on.In an emotional appeal for a ceasefire, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged backing for Mubarak's plan."Do not let one more Palestinian mother cry for her children, do not allow it, put an end to the massacre of my people, let my people live, and let my people be free," he said.On Tuesday, Israeli fire killed at least 40 Palestinians at a U.N school in Gaza where civilians had taken shelter. Israel said its troops were returning fire from the school.British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said attacks such as the one on the U.N.

school were a "devastating reminder" of the urgency of diplomatic efforts to get a ceasefire deal.More than 600 Palestinians have been killed and at least 2,700 wounded since Israel began the campaign last month with the declared aim of ending rocket attacks by Hamas Islamist militants on its southern towns. Ten Israelis, including three civilians hit by rocket fire, have been killed.The school killings could intensify world pressure on Israel for a ceasefire, as happened during Israel's 2006 war against Hezbollah when 28 unarmed Lebanese were killed in shelling at the village of Qana.Asked after the U.N. meeting whether the United States would put pressure on Israel to accept the Mubarak ceasefire offer or whether she thought a deal was close, Rice declined comment, except to say, "See you tomorrow."(Additional reporting by Louis Charbonneau and Claudia Parsons; editing by Mohammad Zargham) World. Jay Glazer of Fox Sports is reporting that the Atlanta Falcons will be without quarterback Matt Ryan in week 13. Ryan has been diagnosed with turf toe, an injury he got in Sunday's game. Redman is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, and this is perfect timing for the veteran.The Falcons could also be without Michael Turner, who got injured again after sitting out week 12. The fantasy hoops season is in full swing and you can already tell which way your team is headed.

While we know who the steals of the draft were there are still plenty of guys flying under the radarremember, it's a long season. December's three S's for success (star, starter, & sleeper) aren't being talked about much, but they will be come 2010. Star: David West, PF, New Orleans Hornets It took some time for David West to adjust to a new offensive scheme, especially without Chris Paul on the floor, but it looks like he has finally regained his All-Star form and December looks to be a good month. West's 15.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game are his is lowest since 2004-05. In recent years, West has played big minutes and that trend will continue from this point on.