(BRUSSELS) - The European Union called late Thursday for an end to the violence in the Lebanese capital Beirut and for the Hezbollah-led opposition to halt all disruptive activities.

"The EU Presidency deeply regrets that violence has erupted in Beirut today," said a statement from the presidency.

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

It continued: "We urge opposition led by Hezbollah to stop all disruptive activities and start playing a constructive role in the country.

"We believe that the parties will solve the crisis only by peaceful means and preserve sovereign, stable and independent Lebanon."

Deadly gunbattles erupted in Beirut on Thursday after Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said a Lebanese government crackdown on his group was tantamount to a "declaration of war," stoking fears of a full-blown sectarian conflict.

At least seven people were killed and dozens wounded in shootouts between supporters of the Western-backed government and the Hezbollah-led opposition in several mixed Sunni and Shiite Muslim districts of the capital, hospital and security officials said.

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