EU again calls for immediate end to Mideast hostilities

The European Commission’s president today appealed to warring sides in the Middle East to immediately end the month-long conflict and allow for humanitarian assistance to reach the civilian population in southern Lebanon.

“First and foremost, hostilities must cease immediately,” said Jose Manuel Barroso.

“Humanitarian assistance must urgently reach the civilian population, which has suffered too much during this conflict.”

Barroso noted that the EU had already committed and pledged more than €100m in humanitarian aid for the Lebanese population.

The grouping has repeatedly called for a quick end to the fighting since it first erupted on July 12.

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana leaves today on a trip to Beirut, where he will meet Prime Minister Fuad Saniora and other top Lebanese officials. Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel is scheduled to visit Lebanon and Israel next week.