Minister Lehtomäki to visit the Middle East with Commissioner Michel

Press release 293/2006
12 August, 2006

Paula Lehtomäki, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, will travel to the Middle East together with Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid.

Minister Lehtomäki and Commissioner Michel will visit Lebanon on 14–16 August and Israel on 17 August. In their meetings with the top leaders of the countries, the two EU representatives will discuss, in particular, the effects of the conflict on the humanitarian situation in the region. They will also become acquainted with the current humanitarian situation. The purpose of the trip is to make it easier for humanitarian aid to reach its destination in areas affected by the hostilities.

Additional information: Jarno Syrjälä, Head of Unit, tel. +358 9 1605 5026 and Arto Haapea, Deputy Adviser to the Minister, tel. +358 9 1605 6183