G-7 Foreign Chiefs Affirm Cooperation over Iran

Cernay-la-Ville, France, March 27 (Jiji Press)–Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven major countries agreed Friday to aim for an early resolution of the situation over Iran, which is in conflict with the United States and Israel, while maintaining close communication. On the second-day session of their two-day meeting in Cernay-la-Ville, near Paris, the ministers also confirmed cooperation to ensure stable supplies of critical minerals and realize just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russia. A joint statement will unlikely be adopted because the United States and other G-7 member countries remain apart over some issues. The G-7 members other than the United States are Britain, Canada, France, German, Italy and Japan plus the European Union. Taking part in the G-7 talks only on the second day, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave an explanation about the current situation over Iran. “It’s the world that has a great interest in that, so they should step up and deal with it,” Rubio told reporters before leaving for France. He made the remark regarding the possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transport waterway, which has been effectively blocked by Iran. Some countries are considering sending minesweepers to the strait. But French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, chair of the G-7 meeting, on Thursday reiterated the country’s position that safety in the area must be restored first. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Friday criticized Iran’s strategy of isolating the United States by allowing only ships of nonhostile countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, saying that the global economy must not be held hostage. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi explained the country’s position on China’s weaponization of export controls on rare earth minerals, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry. He also called for stronger G-7 engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. There is a wide gap between the United States and European member nations over how to deal with Russia. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed the need to increase pressure on Moscow. Meanwhile, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is tolerant of trade in Russian crude oil in order to lower prices. Trump has reacted little to the view that Russia is offering military cooperation to Iran. Rubio highlighted the United States’ contributions through peace mediation. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]