EU Presidency Statement on the recent developments in Israel and Lebanon

The Presidency of the European Union is greatly concerned about the disproportionate use of force by Israel in Lebanon in response to attacks by Hezbollah on Israel. The Presidency deplores the loss of civilian lives and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. The imposition of an air and sea blockade on Lebanon cannot be justified. Actions, which are contrary to international humanitarian law, can only aggravate the vicious circle of violence and retribution, and cannot serve anyone's legitimate security interests.

The Presidency urges Hezbollah to release the captured Israeli soldiers immediately and unconditionally, and to cease all attacks on Israel. The Presidency also calls on the government of Lebanon to do its utmost to prevent such attacks.

The Presidency urges all countries in the region to work for the restoration of calm in order to avoid the further escalation of the situation into war.

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• EU allocates €11m to evacuate citizens of developing countries from Lebanon (26/7/2006)
• EU action in response to crisis in Lebanon (25/7/2006)
• EU Presidency Statement - UN Flash Appeal for Lebanon (24/7/2006)
• Lebanon: EU Commission launches aid decision for €10m and urges all to respect humanitarian law (20/7/2006)
• EU Commission ring-fences €5m for humanitarian assistance to victims in Lebanon (17/7/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on the Middle East (17/7/2006)
• EU Presidency Statement on the situation on the Israel-Lebanon border (12/7/2006)