Iran, EU: ‘Ceasefire is a good thing, now we need a peace strategy for the whole of the Middle East’

Brussels, 10 Apr. (LaPresse) – ‘The time has come to draw up a comprehensive strategy for lasting peace across the Middle East. The European Union will contribute to all diplomatic efforts to this end, taking into account all its interests and concerns, in coordination with its partners’. This was stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, on behalf of the EU, in a statement. “The EU welcomes the ceasefire agreed between the United States and Iran. We commend Pakistan and other regional partners for their mediation, which has contributed to this positive outcome. We urge all parties involved to fully respect the ceasefire throughout the region, to cease all military operations and to fully guarantee freedom of navigation, as well as free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with international law, as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” added the EU’s chief diplomat. The 27 member states are also calling for “an urgent cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, which are causing heavy civilian casualties. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, UN peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel. Diplomacy is key to resolving all outstanding issues. The parties should continue to engage in good faith to reach a sustainable agreement on all areas of concern.”