John Howard has expressed discomfort at the UN ceasfire resolution unanimously agreed to on Friday night.

The Australian prime minister has also cast doubt on whether the ceasefire will work.

He says Australia has made no commitment to send troops to a 15,000-strong international force, saying Australia, 'has other responsibilities.'

In responding to a question on the ceasefire Sunday, Howard echoed U.S. President George W. Bush in immediately labelling Hezbollah as the cause of the current conflict.

On Sunday Mr. Howard said, 'I don't think we should forget who started this latest conflict. It was started by Hezbollah, which effectively attacked Israel.'

President Bush has responded the same way each time he been asked about the present conflict.

Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers on July 12 in a cross-border raid which also resulted in the deaths of three other soldiers. (A further 5 soldiers were killed when an Israeli tank hit a landmine some six kilometres inside Lebanese territory). Hezbollah immediately called for a prisoner-exchange but was rebuffed. Within an hour Israel began a military onslaught which eventually led to an invasion, which was escalated on the eve of the UN ceasefire resolution being passed. Over one thousand Lebanese, mostly civilians, have been killed since July 12, while more than 125 Israelis have died, mostly soldiers.

John Howard joined President Bush, and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in delaying the implementation of the ceasefire.

On Sunday Prime Minister Howard said, 'Unless there is a clear determination and a clear authority to disarm Hezbollah, this is not going to work. So I have real and serious reservations about the effectiveness and the lasting character of this resolution.'

Asked about Australia contributing troops to the international force provided for in the resolution, Mr. Howard said, 'We have made no decision to send Australian forces, and it should not be assumed we will. If we do send Australian forces or make a contribution it will be a very small or niche contribution.'

Asked for a response to a request by Muslim leaders that Australia not take part because they feel the Australian government is too closely aligned to Israel, Mr. Howard said, 'Well I think if any Australians have a view about this, they should express their view to the Australian Government.'

Pressed on why Australia would not take part in supplying troops, Mr. Howard said, 'We have other responsibilities.'