World leaders issue joint statement on Strait of Hormuz – FULL TEXT

Leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, and Australia have issued a joint statement regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.“Elchi” reports that the document strongly condemns Iran’s actions in the region and addresses international security challenges.The statement reads:“We strongly condemn Iran’s recent attacks on unarmed merchant vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces. We express our deep concern regarding the escalating conflict. We call on Iran to immediately cease its threats, mine deployments, drone and missile attacks, as well as attempts to close the Strait for commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.Freedom of navigation is one of the fundamental principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people all over the world, especially the most vulnerable.In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, we emphasize that such interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains pose a threat to international peace and security. In this regard, we demand an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitments of the countries participating in preparedness planning. At the same time, we support the International Energy Agency’s decision to allow for the coordinated release of strategic oil reserves. We will take other steps to stabilize energy markets, including cooperating with certain producing countries to increase output.We will also work to provide support to the most affected countries, including through the United Nations and International Financial Institutions. Maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries. We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.”