Ashton calls for long-term solution to Gaza situation

EU High Representative CatherinebAshton Monday called for a long-term solution to the crisis in Gaza. "I am very concerned about the loss of life. We need to find a long term solution to Gaza, a sustainable solution," she told reporters ahead of an EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels. Ashton said she has been in touch with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Arab League Secretary General Nabil Al Araby to discuss the situation in Gaza. Asked by a reporter as to why the EU has not condemned Israeli attacks against civilians in Gaza, she replied "I am very worried about civilian casualties on both sides. What we need to do is find a solution." Ashton said the ministers will also discuss the situation in Syria and in particular the EU approach to its relationship with the new Syrian opposition Alliance. "Assad must go. There needs to be a process to replace him," she said and added that no EU country has proposed the lifting of arms embargo on the Syrian opposition. The EU foreign ministers will be holding a joint meeting over louch with EU defence ministers to discuss the situation in Mali and possible EU militay mission for training Malian troops, she noted.