EU to seek Syrian talks

THE EU is anxious to begin negotiations with Syria and Lebanon as part of a new drive for peace in the Middle East.

Foreign ministers heard a report from foreign relations chief Javier Solana after his five-day tour of the area and discussed a paper from the Swedish presidency on a comprehensive regional approach to conflict resolution and transformation in the region.

The French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner has advised that the EU needs to enhance its profile and role in the Middle East in line with the greater involvement of the Obama administration.