* Cyclists seized in Bekaa Valley on March 23
* Estonian minister has lobbied Arab governments
BEIRUT, May 23 (Reuters) - The United Nations and European Union appealed on Monday for the release of seven Estonians kidnapped in Lebanon two months ago, saying their capture was a reminder of the country's dark days of civil war.
The Estonian cyclists were seized on March 23 in the Bekaa Valley after crossing into Lebanon from neighbouring Syria. Last week they appeared in a video saying their lives were in danger and asking the Estonian government to help free them.
"These bicyclists came to Lebanon as tourists, with no ill intent. No purpose whatsoever is served by their continued detention," said EU ambassador Angelina Eichhorst and UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams in a joint statement.
Lebanese authorities have charged 11 people, four of them still at large, with kidnapping the tourists at gunpoint and shooting at a security force patrol that was chasing them.
The circumstances of the kidnapping, a rarity since Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, remain unclear. The area where they were kidnapped is known for lawlessness and many gangs involved in car thefts operate there.
"This criminal act is a reminder of a dark part of Lebanon's history, which could threaten Lebanon's standing in the international community," the two envoys said.
"No effort must be spared to bring these men safely back to their country and to their families".
One of the kidnapped men who appeared in the video released last week said it was recorded last Monday. "Today is the 16th of May, 2011, we have been in jail for 54 days... We are very tired and we are in great danger," he said.
Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet has been lobbying various Arab governments for help in trying to secure their release. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement last week that work would continue with the Lebanese government. (Reporting by Dominic Evans; Editing by Maria Golovnina)
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