The defense ministers of the G7 countries met in Naples. The war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East are on the table. Reaffirmed full support for the Unifil mission and condemnation of Iran – Russia cooperation. Focus also on tension between China and Taiwan.
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The G7 Defense Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, with the participation of the Secretary General of NATO, met in Naples to reaffirm the “lasting unity and common determination to face, in a cohesive and concrete way, the challenges of security, in a historical moment characterized by great instability”.
“We strongly reaffirm our commitment to promote respect for the Charter of the United Nations, to implement tangible measures to contribute to safeguarding peace and security and to oppose any action aimed at undermining the free and open rules-based international order” , we read in the note released at the end of the meeting.
I invite alla de-escalation in the Middle East
Regarding the crisis in the Middle East, ministers expressed concern about the escalation in the region. “We reiterate our strong condemnation of the brutal terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October 2023. We call for an immediate ceasefire and the prompt release of all hostages. This attack triggered a spiral of violence also involving Israel and Hezbollahprofoundly affecting civilians. A dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks fueling an uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East, which is in no one’s interest,” the final note reads.
“We encourage all parties to engage constructively to defuse current tensions and underline the importance of all parties acting in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law. We reiterate the absolute need to protect the civilian population and to ensure complete, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, as a matter of absolute priority”, underline the Defense Ministers.
Threats to Unifil’s security
“We are concerned about the latest events in Lebanon and the risk of further escalation. We reiterate our call for a full cessation of hostilities consistent with the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and for a diplomatic solution to the fighting, recognizing the fundamental stabilization role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and reaffirming the essential role of Unifil. – reads the note a few days after the attacks on the bases of the UN peacekeeping force in the Blue Line.
“We express concern about all threats to the security of Unifil. The protection of peacekeepers is the responsibility of all parties to the conflict. We unequivocally condemn the large-scale Iranian ballistic missile attacks against Israel and underline the importance for all parties to act in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law. We unequivocally reaffirm our commitment to Israel’s security,” the ministers reiterate.
Crosetto: “Mission in Israel and Lebanon is now more difficult”
During the press conference on the sidelines of the G7, the Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto ruled out a mission to Lebanon and Israel for now. “The drone that allegedly targeted Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea It’s an event that I don’t think can improve the situation. It certainly makes the work of those who, also using Sinwar’s death, reminded Israel that a different path could be started,” the minister said.
“We have almost daily relations with the Israeli minister. The issue is that I don’t know how today’s event will affect next week’s agenda. I will certainly be in Türkiye which is a fundamental player in supporting the training operation of the Palestinian police forces with our carabinieri. Then I thought of continuing to Lebanon and Israel. We will see the evolution”, added Crosetto who shortly before also met the special guest of the G7, the Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umjerov.
Criticism of cooperation between Iran and Russia
He then harshly commented on the intensification of military cooperation between Iran and Russia, also with regard to the supply of ballistic missiles, UAVs, military equipment and sensitive technology, aimed at circumventing the sanctions regime. “We are committed to maintaining freedom of navigation, protecting sea lanes and defending seafarers and ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2722. United Nations. We call on the Houthis to immediately cease their escalatory measures that increase regional instability and rimmediately leave the ship “Galaxy Leader” and its crew. We welcome the significant contributions of the G7 to maritime security initiatives in the region.”
Unwavering support for Ukraine and defense industry cooperation
The ministers reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine and condemned Russia, “which has implemented a posture of confrontation and destabilization on a global scale, also resorting to hybrid warfare and the irresponsible use of nuclear rhetoric”.
The group then reiterated its commitment to identifying cooperative solutions to “address the growing need that defense industries are able to sustain a high production rate“, work towards building and strengthening a resilient and reliable defense industry, including issues relating to necessary defense supplies. “Recognize the need for a more cooperative approach to defense research and development, including in terms of sharing and valorising skills and knowledge, while promoting a safe environment to prevent malicious access, in order to maintain a competitive advantage, also in the field of emerging and disruptive technologies”, reads the note released.
Integrated approach to strengthening Africa
The Group of 7 reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the stability and security of African countries, underlining the importance of an integrated approach, through practical and coordinated actions with African partners in the field of peace, security and defence. The partners’ bilateral and multilateral initiatives on the “southern neighborhood” are awaited with interestincluding EU and NATO activities. On the tensions between China and Taiwan, the defense ministers underlined that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait “is indispensable for international security and prosperity”.
“Strong opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion, including in the maritime and aviation sectors,” the ministers write and express deep concern about China’s support for Russia, which is allowing Russia to “maintain its illegal war in Ukraine and has significant and broad implications for security as well as strengthening military cooperation between China and Russia“. The ministers then condemn the continued development of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, in direct violation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and express our concern about the growing military cooperation with Russia.”
Clashes between protesters and police in Naples
During the G7 several hundred people protested in the streets of Naples. A group of protesters approached the police, using large placards as protection. From behind these billboards, stones and bottles were thrown. The police responded with the use of smoke bombs and batons. Previously, the procession had diverted its route, violating the ban on approaching Palazzo Reale, where the meeting was held, and headed towards Via Roma, where the clashes occurred. No injuries were reported.
