Diplomats to Head to Middle East Amid Flare-Up of Violence
13 July 2006
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says he is sending a team to the Middle East in an effort to address escalating violence involving Israel, Lebanon-based guerrillas and the Palestinians.
In a separate announcement, the European Union's foreign policy chief says he is planning to travel to the region, as well.
Javier Solana said Thursday in a statement that he is in "permanent contact" with the parties in the region. Details of the trip were not released.
Meanwhile, the Arab League has called an emergency meeting to discuss the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Palestinian territories. Foreign ministers representing Arab governments will meet Saturday in Cairo, Egypt.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has warned of the possibility that Israel's attacks could lead to a regional war.
France condemned the Israeli attacks on Lebanon as "a disproportionate act of war." Russia also called the Israeli attacks "disproportionate" and expressed concern about the suffering of Lebanese and Palestinians civilians.
A spokesman for British Prime Minister Tony Blair called for restraint.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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