Press Release: Louis Michel to visit Lebanon and Israel, 14-17 August 2006

Louis Michel, the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, will visit Lebanon on 14-16 August 2006 and Israel on 17 August. In Beirut, he will meet Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and other members of the Lebanese government. He will also meet aid workers and visit centres for internally displaced people (IDPs) to learn directly about the humanitarian priorities and practical challenges. In Tel Aviv, Mr Michel will meet the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tzipi Livni, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Amir Peretz. Commissioner Michel said "Secure humanitarian access to victims of the conflict and an end to hostilities – these are the top priorities that I will address during my visit."