Estonian formin, EU colleagues discuss situation in Mideast

TALLINN - Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on Monday attended a special video meeting of European Union foreign ministers, where the focus was on the situation in the Middle East.

The meeting covered the intensified hostilities between Israel and the terrorist organization Hezbollah, and the humanitarian situation in the region.

"I call for the de-escalation of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel and for the implementation of resolution 1701 of the UN to reduce civilian suffering in Lebanon and Israel," Tsahkna said, adding that nearly a million people have had to flee their homes, and they must be ensured a chance to return to their homes where they would be safe.

Tsahkna emphasized that the rules-based international order must be respected and international humanitarian law must be followed regardless of the situation.

The Estonian minister reiterated that Hezbollah was responsible for the escalation of the conflict, having launched an unprovoked missile attack on Israel on Oct. 8 last year, and it has continued its attacks. He added that he appreciated the efforts of France, the United States and others to reduce tensions.

"The task of the international community is to support Lebanon's institutions to help them fight extremism," Tsahkna said, welcoming the EU's contribution to strengthening Lebanon's armed forces. "Those who support anti-Israel terrorism cannot enjoy impunity, they must be held accountable," he said.

The UN resolution 1701, which received unanimous support in a vote at the UN Security Council in 2006, includes calls for a complete end to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israel’s forces from Lebanon, sending UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) to southern Lebanon with Lebanon’s army, and the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah. The resolution underlines the need for Lebanon to implement full government control and calls for efforts to ensure the unconditional release of kidnapped Israeli soldiers.