Xavier Bettel fears « serious conflict between Israel and Iran »

« I have to say that I am deeply concerned about the new escalation of violence in the Middle East, » said Bettel the morning after the targeted attacks of the Israeli Air Force on facilities and protagonists of the Iranian nuclear program. From the perspective of Bettel, the moment could not have been less favorable, because the attacks would come of all things at the moment « where the United States and Iran negotiate on its nuclear program ». The Luxembourg government greeted these negotiations explicitly.

Conflicts would have to be solved at the negotiating table. These usually also have actual effects, said Bettel. He warns: « This could be the beginning of a serious conflict between Israel and Iran, with consequences for the region and the rest of the world. » The fact that the United States recently reduced embassy staff in the Middle East underlines the seriousness of current development.

« If you look at the warnings of the past few days, they also show how concerned the Americans themselves are about a possible war potential between Israel and Iran, » said the Foreign Minister, who is currently on the return flight to Luxembourg from the Embassy opening in the Canadian capital Ottawa located. Bettel supports the attitude of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and calls on everyone involved to restraint.

Israel’s attacks take place a few days before a high-ranking UN summit for the two-state solution in New York. It is still unclear to what extent the recent events will affect this. « The attack tonight shows how important it is still to rely on diplomatic means to de -escalate the situation in the Middle East, » commented Bettel.