UPDATE 4-EU calls for inquiry into Sri Lanka 'abuses'

* EU seeks independent inquiry into Sri Lanka 'abuses'

* Political solution should include Tamils, says EU

* Colombo urged to cooperate over humanitarian crisis (Adds Czech foreign minister, paragraph 5)

By David Brunnstrom

BRUSSELS, May 18 (Reuters) - The European Union called on Monday for an independent investigation into alleged violations of human rights law in Sri Lanka's war, and a "fully inclusive" political settlement following the defeat of the Tamil Tigers.

EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels said the 27-nation bloc was appalled by the loss of innocent lives and the high numbers of casualties, including children, in fighting between government forces and the Tamil Tiger rebels.

"As the fighting draws to an end, the EU...calls on the President of Sri Lanka to outline a clear process leading to a fully inclusive political solution, based on consent, equality and rule of law," EU foreign ministers said in a statement.

At a meeting in Brussels the ministers stressed the need for respect of international humanitarian and human rights law.

"The EU calls for the alleged violations of these laws to be investigated through an independent inquiry. Those accountable must be brought to justice," their statement said.