BELGRADE, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Thursday called for an end to the fierce clashes between Lebanese government forces and the opposition Hezbollah in the country's capital of Beirut.

    "The Presidency calls upon the parties to cease immediately these riots, stop the siege of the roads, open the airport and refrain from any further violent acts," a statement from the Slovenian EU Presidency said.

    While urging Hezbollah to "stop all disruptive activities and start playing a constructive role in the country," the Presidency stressed that "the parties will solve the crisis only by peaceful means and preserve a sovereign, stable and independent Lebanon."

    Violence between the parties erupted Wednesday, after Hezbollah launched a street campaign following the government's declaration of the group's communications network as illegal and removal of the chief of airport security. Two people were killed and five wounded in fierce gunfire Thursday.