European Union Foreign Ministers discuss on Friday in Brussels an urgent call by France to send arms to the Iraqi Kurds fighting the terrorist Islamic State in northern Iraq.
Italy, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency and whose Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini is on the short-list to replace EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in November, called for the emergency meeting.
"We're not talking about military intervention but providing support, even of a military sort, to the Kurdish government," she said.
France and the UK have already announced they will ship weapons to Iraqi Kurds.
During this rare meeting during summertime to discuss the deteriorating situation in Iraq, the ministers are also expected to address the Mideast Peace Process and in particular the situation in the Gaza Strip.
The EU welcomed the announcement of a further extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and commended all efforts, in particular those of Egypt, to reach an agreement that can be extended into a lasting truce.
‘’The EU stands ready to contribute to a comprehensive and sustainable solution meeting the security, welfare and prosperity needs of Palestinians and Israelis alike,’’ it said ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
‘’At the invitation of Member States and based on the outcome of the Cairo talks, the EEAS (the EU’s external diplomatic service) is developing options for robust comprehensive EU action following a ceasefire,’’ the EU said.
The ministers are expected to publish a statement on this topic following their meeting.