The European Union's (EU) High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana issued a statement on April 15, calling on the relevant parties to make more efforts to restore peace in Iraq.

He made the call following confirmation by the Italian government of the killing of an Italian hostage in Iraq.

He said that the deterioration of the security situation and the resulting deaths of innocent civilians in the country are not conducive to peace.

The EU's security chief said that he was following the recent developments in Iraq with great anxiety and consternation, emphasizing that it is fundamental that all parties commit themselves to bring peace and security to Iraq for the benefit of the Iraqi people and of the entire region.

Solana also expressed condolences to the family of the killed Italian hostage, pledging deep solidarity with the Italian government and people in this difficult moment.

"My thoughts are also with all the other hostages and with their respective families," he said.

Source: Xinhua