Kyriakos Mitsotakis was among the European leaders who signed a joint statement welcoming the two-week ceasefire agreement reached between Iran and the United States. In the statement, European leaders thanked Pakistan and other mediators for achieving the agreement, called for immediate talks to bring the war to a definitive end, while subtly warning Israel by demanding all parties respect the agreement and specifically stating that Lebanon should not be attacked – referring to the area where Hezbollah operates. However, this can also be read conversely, as a demand directed at Hezbollah as well.
Read more: Reuters: Iran will open the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday or Friday
Ceasefire agreement: The statement from Europe
Statement from President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Carney, Prime Minister Frederiksen, Prime Minister Getten, Prime Minister Mitsotakis, European Commission President von der Leyen, and European Council President Costa.
We welcome the two-week ceasefire decided between the United States and Iran today (8/4). We thank Pakistan and all allies involved in facilitating this important agreement. The goal now must be to negotiate a swift and definitive end to the war in the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic talks. We strongly encourage rapid progress through substantive negotiable agreement. This will be critical for protecting Iranian civilians and ensuring regional security. It may also prevent a global energy crisis. We support these diplomatic efforts. From our side, we are in close contact with the United States and other allies. We call on all parties to respect the ceasefire, including in the Lebanese region. Our governments will contribute to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
