A coalition of 22 countries condemns Iran's attacks, emphasizing navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz and adherence to international law.
The number of countries participating in the joint initiative launched to ensure navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz has risen to 22. The statement condemned Iran's attacks in the region and called for adherence to international law.
The number of countries that joined the joint statement made on March 19 by France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, expressing their readiness to contribute to efforts to ensure navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz, has increased to 22.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), the latest country to join the joint statement, issued a statement regarding the matter on its Foreign Ministry's website.
The statement indicated that the UAE has joined the joint declaration in which the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, and Australia expressed their readiness to contribute to efforts to ensure navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz.
Joint Statement Regarding the Strait of Hormuz
On March 19, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom made a joint statement regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement included the expression, 'We strongly condemn the recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure, particularly oil and gas facilities, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by the Iranian Armed Forces.'
The statement indicated concern over the escalation of attacks in the region, saying, 'We call on Iran to cease its threats, mine-laying operations, drone and missile attacks, and all attempts to obstruct commercial navigation in the Strait, and to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.'
The statement emphasized that freedom of navigation is one of the fundamental principles of international law, arguing that the effects of Iran's actions are felt worldwide.
It was noted in the statement that such external interventions in global maritime transportation and disruptions to energy supply chains pose a threat to world peace and security, and a cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities in the region, was requested.
The statement concluded with, 'We are ready to contribute to efforts to ensure navigation safety in the Strait. We welcome the commitment of countries contributing to the preparatory planning.'
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
