Tajani, with UK-Germany-France support for truce efforts

(ANSA) – ROME, 17 AUGUST – “Together with my colleagues from Great Britain, Germany and France, I support the ongoing mediation efforts of the US, Egypt and Qatar for an agreement on the ceasefire and the release of the hostages. We cannot waste time: we are working together with all the countries in the region to give the Middle East prospects of stability and peace”. This was written by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on X. The four countries have issued the following joint statement on the matter: “The United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy strongly support the ongoing mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to conclude the agreement for the ceasefire and the release of the hostages and are encouraged by the constructive approach taken so far”. “We welcome – adds the joint statement – the fact that the technical work will continue in the coming days, including on the humanitarian provisions and the specific provisions relating to hostages and detainees, and that senior officials will meet again by the end of next week with the aim of concluding the agreement”. The four countries also urge “all parties to continue to engage positively and flexibly in this process.” “We underline the importance of avoiding any escalatory action in the region that would undermine the prospect of peace. There is too much at stake,” the statement concludes. (ANSA).