Last Friday, I attended the special general meeting of EU Foreign Ministers held in Brussels to address the enhancing and strengthening of the peacekeeping force in Lebanon. Notwithstanding a tacit fragile ceasefire, the situation is delicate – a-touch-and-go situation.

The crisis in the Middle East had to be addressed swiftly, promptly and with determination. In this context, and after UN Security Council Resolution 1701, it became imperative that the EU not only takes an active part but also assumes leadership in this context. The immediate cessation of all belligerent action and hostilities, as well as the revitalisation of normal life and security for both the Lebanese as well as Israelis, are of primary importance.

Most of you must have been following the contributions offered by the EU states both on a military and humanitarian basis. Italy’s immediate commitment must have set the ball rolling, with France and Germany following suit immediately. One must appreciate the statesmanship of Italy’s Premier Prodi who, after France had also committed itself, accepted that nation’s leadership of the peace-keeping forces, after initially offering to lead the operation.

The political implications of the EU being able to organise itself within hours towards this peace-keeping operation has given the EU family a higher standing within the world’s peace-keeping efforts. This time it was not a question of establishing who was to be the ‘prima donna’, but merely how fast the various countries could get their forces together for a quick and efficient addressing of the situation. This augurs well and shows an ongoing commitment on behalf of the international community in seeking a permanent solution to the too long outstanding belligerent situation in the Middle East.

In itself, the quick practical convergence of all implicated and now committed states sends a positive message of European close cooperation when crises arise. Furthermore, it is now establishing the political reality that joint EU forces can prove to be a real force in addressing situations of instability.

Everyday brings not only more commitment but the furthering of action and not just words in the seeking of an equitable and justified solution to the belligerent region that has practically suffered the most tenacious wars during the last century.

Malta, not withstanding its limitation of means, numbers and capabilities, has offered logistical support to the operation and will definitely do its utmost within its possibilities.

The solution must not be temporary or only brought about by the military presence in the region. The European Union is proving on the ground that this problem also has to be addressed on a humanitarian basis.

Just discussing the problem and feigning frustration in a deteriorating situation will prove no solution. All governments are very sensible and on home ground, Malta is doing its share in providing some of the needed provisions on a humanitarian basis.

The Maltese people fully realise the desperate situation in which the half-million or so displaced people in Lebanon find themselves. One realises that many have lost their loved ones through the belligerent action. Others no longer have a roof over their heads while for a million or so persons their peace of mind or security of life and living has been lost forever. In this situation, many have already materially contributed although the damage suffered is astronomical in value. The humanitarian assistance perhaps is as important as the military action being taken, though these have to operate in tandem with no sector overshadowing the other.

A holistic addressing of the whole of the Middle East problem may be the only real chance to find a permanent solution. I do not think that peace in bits and pieces can really succeed.

The problems of the Gaza Strip, the realisation of a Palestinian nation, the settling of the Golan Heights situation and the acceptance once and for all of the right for permanent legal existence of the Israeli nation should all form part of a collective package that will then permit us the luxury of time, energy and finance to address the hunger, lack of democracy and lack of economic and political stability in the sub-Saharan countries of Africa.

A prayer is solicited for peace.

Tony Abela is parliamentary secretary within the Officeof the Prime Minister