French President Jacques Chirac and Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen on Friday urged an immediate ceasefire and a political agreement in Lebanon.

During a telephone conversation, Chirac urged Vanhanen, whose country holds the rotating European Union's presidency, to take stock of the situation in the Middle East and of the ongoing discussions at the UN Security Council, Chirac's office said.

"Underlining the common stand of the European Union (EU) that was approved on Aug. 1st, they called to make every effort to reach as soon as possible to a ceasefire and a political agreement ratified by the United Nations. They are convinced to continue the concertation between the partners of the European Union to reach to the goal," French presidency said.

Earlier in the day, Chirac called British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the issue.

Source: Xinhua