1st LD Writethru: EU, G7 leaders urge preventing escalation in Mideast

BRUSSELS/ROME, April 14 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) and Group of Seven (G7) leaders on Sunday called for preventing a further escalation of the situation in the Middle East following Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel.

"Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation. More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to follow the situation closely with our partners," said European Council Pr