"It's obvious for us that we shouldn't adopt a draft, which the Lebanese don't find acceptable, as it'll only lead to an escalation of the conflict and more violence," Churkin told Russia's Vesti 24 television.

"We're making intense efforts now, making contacts and holding consultations," he said. "We're taking part in them so as to make the text of the resolution more acceptable for the Lebanese government."

The draft resolution, presented to the 15-member Security Council by the United States and France on Saturday, calls for "a full cessation of hostilities based upon, in particular, the immediate cessation by Hezbollah of all attacks and the immediate cessation by Israel of all offensive military operations."

It also asks Israel and Lebanon to reach consensus on a series of principles for a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution before the Security Council could adopt a second resolution authorizing an international force to be deployed in Lebanon.

France and the United States said on Monday that they might consider making changes to their draft UN resolution, which Lebanon has rejected, saying it failed to call for a withdrawal of some 10,000 Israeli troops from Lebanon's territory.

"The Lebanese demand that the resolution say in unambiguous terms that the withdrawal of Israeli troops must begin right after ceasefire," Churkin said. "I personally believe that's a new element and the authors of the new resolution and members of the Security Council should examine it scrupulously."

"Russia spoke in favor of an immediate ceasefire right after the outbreak of hostilities and that's why we supported any steps in that direction," he added.