BEIRUT, Lebanon - The European Union is to open talks with Lebanon in November on an aid programme, the EU commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said Friday at the end of a two-day visit to Beirut.

"A fact-finding mission will come to Beirut in mid-October to work out the priorities and we will be able to start negotiations on bilateral accords in November," she told reporters.

The accords fall under the European Neighourhood Policy, which provides economic and social benefits to states bordering the EU, including in the energy and transportation sectors as well as the democratisation process.

Ferrero-Waldner met Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, Foreign Minister Fawzi Salukh and a group of students during her visit.

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