停火是指处于武力冲突的各方同意暂时停止交战的行为，发起停火的国家或者是组织可以是介入冲突的某一方，或者是与冲突无直接关系的第三方介入协调。停火的用意虽然多半是暂停武力冲突，期待以具体的协议换取长时间的和平或是无冲突状态。

杰克:

Are you watching another news report about the war?

你有看到关于这个战争的另一条新闻吗?

凯西:

Yes. The two sides declared a short ceasefire but it broke down earlier today. Several military target were destroyed by bombing. Many civilians were among the dead and wounded.

是的。双方宣布暂时停战。今天早些时候又开战了。好几个军事目标被炸毁。许多无辜的平民也被炸死伤。

杰克:

How did this war start?

这场战争是什么引起的?

凯西:

Both sides claim a small area of territory. Both sides tried to build border fences and began attacking each other.

为争夺领土引起的.双方都建起自己的边境防线攻击对方。

杰克:

Politicians from both sides sound increasingly belligerent. Neither side wants to compromise.

两边的领导人都越来越倾向于交战.都不愿意停战。

凯西:

Relief agencies report that many civilians are in desperate need of food and shelter. Several European countries have agreed to send aid, but are afraid that their planes will be shot down.

红十字会工作人员称许多平民需要食物和避难所。一些欧洲国家已经答应援助食物。但是担心运送救助物资的飞机会被击落。

杰克:

What do you think will happen?

你觉得结果会怎样?

凯西:

Both countries are very poor. Soon they will run out of money to finance the war. Then, perhaps, they will negotiate.

两个国家都那么穷。过不了多久他们的财政就会因为战争而耗空。然后，也许他们就得谈判。

杰克:

It would be much simpler and cheaper if they negotiated first.

要是他们一开始就谈判那多省事省钱呀。