EU's Solana plans Middle East visit this week

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana plans to visit the Middle East later this week to discuss efforts to stop the fighting there, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday. Solana's itinerary was still being worked out, but he was expected to hold talks with leaders in the region, said the spokeswoman, who did not want to be identified by name.

News of his planned visit emerged as Israeli troops thrust deeper into Lebanon against fierce Hizbullah resistance, while Israel's security cabinet discussed whether to order a bigger advance ahead of a possible move at the UN to end the war. (Reuters)