EU's Solana tells Israel stop flights over Lebanon

BEIRUT, Oct 28 (Reuters) The European Union's foreign policy chief said today he had told Israel to stop its jets flying over Lebanon, echoing an earlier call by France.

''I'm coming from Israel to tell you that I talked with the Prime Minister (Ehud Olmert), I talked with the Minister of Defence (Amir Peretz) and made very, very clear ... that this has to stop,'' Javier Solana told reporters at a news conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

''We want to have (UN) Resolution 1701 applied by everybody.'' French Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said last week that Israel's violations of Lebanese airspace were ''extremely dangerous'' and the flights should stop immediately.

Israel later said its combat planes would continue to fly over Lebanon.

Israeli jets have routinely flown over Lebanon since a 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas ended on Aug. 14 in a UN-brokered ceasefire. An international peacekeeping force, including a French contingent, has been expanded in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon and the United Nations say the Israeli flights violate the ceasefire resolution. Israel says the missions are necessary to help ensure that arms are not smuggled into southern Lebanon from Syria to rearm Hezbollah.

Solana also pledged his support for Siniora, two days before Lebanese politicians are due to hold talks for up to 15 days to discuss demands for a national unity government and a new election law.

''The manner in which Prime Minister Siniora handled this very complicated time is an example of dignity and an example of patriotism,'' Solana said.

''You have to reconstruct your country and you will need not only the help and support of your people but also the moral support and the physical support, and the economic support of the international community.

''The European Union will be with you, you can be sure about that.'' REUTERS PB VC2135