In the last weeks, the EU has condemned the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers by the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah, stating that they must be released safely and without delay. The EU said “that Israel has the right to self-defence, but it should use its force in response to Hezbollah attacks in a way that is proportionate and measured and corresponds to international humanitarian law”.

The imposition of an air and sea blockade on Lebanon seriously aggravates the situation of civilians, and should be immediately lifted. The EU also called on the government of Lebanon to do its up most to prevent such attacks and urged all countries in the region to promote the restoration of peace in order to avoid the further escalation of the situation into war. Agreeing with the general term of these statements, EFA is shocked by the scale of violence in the Middle East and calls for a stronger response from the EU.

For EFA, the recent visit of the High Representative, Javier Solana, to the region to speak to all the parties concerned in the name of the European Union is a good start. Nevertheless, the EU must clarify its position towards Israel and react without ambiguity to the disproportioned reaction, which includesan incredible loss of life including children, as well as extensive damage to Lebanese infrastructure.

President of the European Free Alliance European Political Party, Nelly Maes send this message of support on behalf of EFA to the victims and their families on both sides, and speaking from Congo, she said:

"I unreservedly condemn the appalling terrorist acts that are being committed in the Middle East with such terrible loss of life and a huge number of injured people. Our party stresses once more the necessity of finding peaceful solutions and means for whatever conflict in the world.

As the EU's foreign ministers will meet today to review the situation in the Middle East and to decide on further EU action to help resolve the crisis, we call for a stronger EU position on the issue as well as to put more pressure on Israel, thatis still treated as the only victim in this conflict.

From EFA, we fail to see how Israel is defending itself with these acts. There won’t be peace in this region until the Israeli government stops acting like the terrorists they seek to suppress.The EU must put further pressure on Israel to stop attacks on civilians and to seriously review its relations with Israel. On the other hand, it’s clear that the government of Lebanon must react also with determination to prevent more attacks from Hezbollah.

Begoña Lasagabaster, EFA Secretary General said:

“We always claimed that there can never be any justification using violence in the pursuit of any kind of objectives; violence will always be counter productive. Time after time we have seen that only dialogue can bring about peaceful, sustainable political solutions.

But how could we contribute to find a solution in this complex conflict? It is clear that for the moment, President of the US G. Bush will maintain his strong support to Israel's right to defend itself without considering the disastrous consequences first for the civilians in the region, then for the peace and stability in the rest of the world. The EU must react with more mindful diplomatic tactics on the basis of the existent International law. US made up law concepts of “self-defence-by-any-means” and “preventive-war” must be firmly disregarded.

The EU can not allow itself to react softly and with delay once again, the situation we all face is one of the most serious in the Middle East for many years. It will have consequences for all of us, and will not be limited to the region in conflict.

Is the Association agreement EU-Israel still valid after the reactions of Israel? These are contrary to international humanitarian law, are only leading to aggravate the vicious circle of violence and cannot help protect anyone’s security. Israel wants to remain blind and deaf to any international recommendations and the EU should take note of this provocative behaviour. By not reacting properly we are sadly becoming a part of the problem and not the solution.

In a long-term perspective, it’s Universal values that we have to promote, not armies. A review of the weapons’ selling industry in the EU and stricter rules are needed.

The EFA Party draws together regionalist and democratic regionalist and nationalist parties committed to a peaceful struggle for self determination for their stateless nations and regions.

For more information:

Günther Dauwen and Eva Mendoza. EFA headquarters. info@e-f-a.orgTel. 003225133476/4851. www.e-f-a.org

The European Free Alliance asbl (EFA) is one of the ten recognized European Political Parties. EFA supports -European unity and the creation of a European union of free peoples based on the principle of subsidiarity who believe in solidarity with each other and other peoples of the world. The defence of human rights and the rights of peoples, in particular the right to self-determination. Protection of the environment and sustainable development. The creation of a fair society based on solidarity, with policies which favour progress, social cohesion and equal opportunities for all citizens and the principles of parliamentary democracy.

The European Free Alliance (EFA) Group in the European Parliament includes MEPs from Scotland, Wales, Catalonia and Latvia, who advance the cause of Europe's stateless nations, regions and disadvantaged minorities that are part of the Greens-EFA group. www.greens-efa.org