Israel policy in Lebanon unacceptable -EU president

BRUSSELS, Aug 1 (Reuters) Israel's decision to step up military action in Lebanon is unacceptable and will only stoke extremism West Asia, European Union president Finland said today.

Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, who will chair an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers on the crisis later today, told reporters the 25-nation bloc must take a united stance at the risk of making clear its difference with the United States, which backs Israel.

''It is unacceptable for Israel to continue with its current policy,'' he said before briefing European Parliament leaders.

''The words of Mr (Prime Minister Ehud) Olmert and his plans for further military attacks is concerning and we have this message to him: it is unlikely to bring military success, it will only fuel the support for Hizbollah and other extremists in the region.'' REUTERS DKA KP1516