Ms. Rice should use this trip to commit herself to negotiating a comprehensive cease-fire.

Three possibilities exist: * That a comprehensive cease-fire is achieved before a United Nations naval presence is put in place.

A core element in Iraq's strategy has been to cut off the flow of Iranian oil exports through the gulf short of achieving a comprehensive cease-fire.

It also said that there would be a freeze on Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza "following a comprehensive cease-fire."

There is no doubt that without active American engagement and commitment, a comprehensive cease-fire between the Israelis and the Palestinians is not possible.

"Continuing terror attacks underscore the fragile nature of all these efforts and demonstrate the need for an immediate, comprehensive cease-fire," he added.

Quartet support for efforts to achieve a lasting, comprehensive cease-fire.

The measures it calls for include a comprehensive cease-fire, a withdrawal of forces to internationally recognized borders and an exchange of prisoners.

Until now, Iran has rejected all appeals for a comprehensive cease-fire.

He has put into effect a comprehensive cease-fire that has been respected by most armed Palestinian factions.