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 President Charles Michel on social media.
"All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on social media.
While calling on "all parties to exercise utmost restraint," Josep Borrell, EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on social media that "this is an unprecedented escalation."
Borrell said that he has called an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers on April 16 "to contribute to de-escalation and security of the region."
After gathering in a virtual meeting on Sunday, the G7 leaders called for de-escalation and restraint on all parties.
In a joint statement, the G7 leaders emphasized "the need to avoid further escalation, calling on the parties to refrain from actions aimed at exacerbating tension in the region."
"To this end, the G7 called for an end to the crisis in Gaza through a cessation of hostilities and for the release of (Israeli) hostages by Hamas. The G7 leaders also pledged to continue providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population," said the statement.
The G7 comprises Canada, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan, plus the top representatives of the European Union.
Iran and allied armed groups launched coordinated drone and missile strikes on Israel late Saturday night.
Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations has said the country's military action against Israel was based on Article 51 of the UN Charter regarding the legitimate right to self-defense and in response to the deadly Israeli attack against the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Sunday that Iran, at this moment, no longer sought to continue its retaliatory military operation against Israel.
(Editor:Fu Bo)
Related articles
Messi in and Dybala out in Argentina squad for pre
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Lionel Messi is in and Paulo Dybala is out of Argentina’s squad for f2024-05-21Lidia Bastianich, Melody Thomas Scott and Ed Scott to receive Daytime Emmys lifetime achievement
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Public television host and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich, “The Young and the R2024-05-21Donald Trump calls Joe Biden weak on antisemitism, ignoring his own rhetoric
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is accusing Joe Biden of offering a weak response to antisemitism, wiel2024-05-21Twyla Tharp dance will open 700
NEW YORK (AP) — The 700-seat amphitheater at Little Island, a park in Manhattan built above the Huds2024-05-21Travis Kelce downs whiskey shot on slice of bread at Kelce Jam without Taylor Swift
Travis Kelce was spotted taking a whiskey shot from a slice of bread in true southern fashion as he2024-05-21Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert misses Game 2 in Denver
DENVER (AP) — The Minneosta Timberwolves were without center Rudy Gobert for Game 2 of their Western2024-05-21
atest comment