EU Presidency Statement on the situation in Lebanon

The Presidency of the European Union is shocked and dismayed by the Israeli air strikes on the southern Lebanese town of Qana. There is no justification for attacks causing casualties among innocent civilians, most of whom were women and children.

The fact that the residents had been warned and called upon to leave the area does not justify this tragic event as Israel had rejected the 72-hour cessation of hostilities called for by the UN to open the way for safe evacuation of civilians from southern Lebanon.

The Presidency reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The Council of the European Union will address at its extraordinary meeting on 1 August all the steps necessary to put an end to the conflict, including a political settlement and the international forces to be deployed to support a permanent cease-fire.

Press release 266/2006 30 July, 2006