EU foreign policy chief arrives in Jordan

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AMMAN, Jordan, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- A close relationship between Middle East governments and the European Union is essential for political stability, the EU's top foreign policy official said.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton arrived Monday in Jordan as part of a five-day tour of the Middle East.

"This is a critical time for the wider Middle East," she said in a statement. "The close cooperation between the European Union and our partners in the region is essential to help us deal with the political, strategic and humanitarian challenges we face at this time."

Eleven Jordanians were held Monday in an alleged al-Qaida-linked plot to attack civilian and government targets in Amman, The Jordan Times reported. In nearby Lebanon, The Daily Star newspaper reported one man was killed by security forces Monday after he fired on their patrol in Beirut.

Ashton meets Tuesday with Lebanese leaders in Beirut. Her visit comes as the army tightens security in the wake of a bombing last week that killed the country's former intelligence chief, Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan.

Ashton described the bombing as "shocking."

"The perpetrators of this crime must be pursued and brought to justice," she said. "I call upon all Lebanese to remain calm and to ensure that this attack does not destabilize the country."

Members of the opposition March 14 movement in Lebanon have called for a new government in Beirut following last week's bombing.