The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, attended a videoconference of EU foreign ministers convened by High Representative Josep Borrell to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
Minister Bettel strongly condemned the Iranian attack on Israeli territory, an unprecedented attack that represents a worrying escalation of the current conflict in the Middle East.
"In this extremely tense regional situation, I call for de-escalation and restraint on all sides. A wider regional conflict must be avoided at all costs; it is in nobody's interest", said Xavier Bettel.
Luxembourg's head of diplomacy stressed that the protection of civilians on all sides must be the absolute priority. "This is why it is essential to obtain an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, where the war has been going on for more than six months, with terrible consequences for the inhabitants. The EU must support all efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, which would also make it possible to free the remaining hostages. We must be aware that this war is fuelling hatred in the region; it must therefore be brought to an end while opening up a long-term political perspective for a two-state solution".
Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade