Jordanian King Abdullah II on Saturday again called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, which he said was the only way to opening the door for diplomatic efforts to reach a solution to the regional crisis, Jordan's official Petra news agency reported.

Abdullah made the appeal during a meeting with visiting French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, who arrived here on Saturday on a Mideast tour aimed to ease tensions in Lebanon.

Abdullah also said that an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire would lead to defusing the crisis, according to the report.

Expressing deep concern about the continuing confrontations between Israel and Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah, Abdullah said that security must be restored in Lebanon to curb the deteriorating humanitarian situation there.

He also called on the parties concerned to "use the language of dialogue and logic" in an effort to get out of the crisis, Petra reported.

The Jordanian king also stressed the importance of continuing Arab and international humanitarian aid to Lebanon.

Jordan has already begun a campaign of garnering urgent and comprehensive assistance to the Lebanese people, according to the report.

Douste-Blazy, on his part, pledged support to the Lebanese government, stressing the importance to maintain unity and sovereignty of Lebanon.

Jordan, one of the only two Arab countries, has long been a mediator in Arab-Israeli relations.

Jordanian King Abdullah has repeatedly urged for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah since violence erupted in Lebanon on July 12 when Hezbollah guerillas abducted two Israeli soldiers and killed eight while Israel started a massive assault in response.

Source: Xinhua