EU condemns kidnapping of Israeli soldiers, but not killing of Lebanese civilians

The EU Commissioner for external relations Benita Ferrero- Waldner is "very alarmed" at the escalation of violence between Israel and Lebanon, her spokesperson Emma Udwin said today.

"We condemn unreservedly the kidnapping and in particular the kidnapping of the two Israeli soldiers yesterday by Hizbollah. The soldiers must be released and returned safely immediately," Udwin said.

Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner, who visited Lebanon only last week, "is shocked at the scale of violence that this incident has unleashed on both sides, that is the loss of life of a large number of innocent people, including many children as well as extensive damage to Lebanese infrastructure," said the spokesperson.

"All parties must respect their obligations under international law to protect civilians from the effects of the conflict," said Udwin adding that it is necessary that the Lebanese government extend it control all over Lebanese territory.

She evaded replying to repeated questions by reporters as to why the EU is condemning the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers and not condemning the killing of over 46 Lebanese civilians, including many children, and the violation of international law by Israeli attacks on civilian targets in Lebanon.