Hormuz, Italia and 5 other countries: 'Iran respects international law and ceases attacks'
Meloni with the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan open to a plan to ensure safe passage. Reference to UN convention prelude to push for a UN mission
from our Brussels correspondent Manuela Perrone
Key points
"Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea". In a joint statement, Giorgia Meloni and the counterparts of five other countries - United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan - pledge their readiness to "contribute to the efforts needed to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz" and emphasise, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, how "interference with international navigation and disruption of global energy supply chains pose a threat to international peace and security".
The call for a moratorium
Hence the demand: 'An immediate and complete moratorium on attacks against civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations'. A request that preludes to something else: the call for a United Nations mission to restore navigation safety in the area, a central hub for world oil and gas traffic. Twenty per cent of the world's crude oil transits through Hormuz, along with liquefied natural gas, fertilisers and refined products.
Condemnation for Iranian attacks
"Maritime security and freedom of navigation are a benefit to all countries," explained the six leaders. "We urge all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security." The text strongly condemned Iranian attacks on unarmed merchant ships 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" and called on Iran to "immediately cease threats, mine laying, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817."
The Promise: Further Measures to Stabilise Energy Markets
The six countries welcome the International Energy Agency's decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic oil reserves and promise: 'We will take further measures to stabilise energy markets, including working with some producing countries to increase production. We will also commit to providing support to the most affected nations, including through the UN and international financial institutions'.
