Special report: Israel-Lebanon conflicts [Gallery] [Videos]

Israel, Lebanon agree on ceasefire

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana(L) speaks during a press conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora(R) in Beirut.(Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIRUT, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana on Saturday voiced support for the Lebanese government and urged the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

    Solana made the remarks at a joint press conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora during which he strongly endorsed the premier and pledged to continue supporting him.

    "The people of Europe appreciate a lot the dignity with which you have been running (your country) at this complicated time," Solana said.

    Meanwhile, the EU foreign policy chief noted that prior to his Lebanon visit, he informed the Israeli prime minister and defense minister that overflights of Israeli airspace must be stopped.

    Solana is on a six-day swing through the Middle East to examine prospects for restarting stalled Israel-Palestinian peace talks and for stabilizing Lebanon in the wake of the recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

    In addition, Solana also met with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Maj. Gen. Alain Pellegrini, commander of the UN peacekeeping force.

    The 34-day conflict between Israel and Hezbollah came to an end on Aug. 14 under the UN-brokered Resolution 1701 which authorized an expansion of UN peacekeeping force to 15,000 troops to help the Lebanese government army take control of south Lebanon.