Finland, current holder of the European Union (EU) presidency, on
Wednesday called on Hezbollah to immediately and unconditionally release two
captured Israeli soldiers, and cease all attacks on Israel.
The Lebanese government also has a responsibility to prevent a deterioration
of the situation, said a statement from the Scandinavian country.
In the statement, the EU presidency expressed concern about the deterioration
of the security situation on the Israel-Lebanon border, and urged all parties to
exercise restraint to avoid any further escalation.
Finland also called on all countries in the region to make efforts to calm
the situation.
Additionally, the United Nations on Wednesday called on Lebanon's militant
group Hezbollah to release the two soldiers and urged all sides to avoid any
further escalation.
Germany also urged the Lebanese militants to release the troops "immediately
and unconditionally."
Clashes broke out early on Wednesday between Hezbollah militias and the
Israeli army at the border area in south Lebanon shortly after several rockets
were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel.
The clashes left two Lebanese and seven Israeli soldiers dead. Hezbollah
seized two Israeli soldiers and demanded the release of Arab prisoners and a
guarantee of their safe return.
