US, France call for 'utmost restraint' in Middle East
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) discussed the rising tensions in the region by phone on Aug 3 with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne.
PHOTOS: REUTERS, EPA-EFE
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PARIS - The French and US foreign ministers called on all sides in the Middle East “to exercise the utmost restraint” to prevent a regional conflict, France’s foreign ministry said on Aug 3.
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne discussed the rising tension in the region by telephone with his US counterpart Antony Blinken, said a ministry spokesman.
“They agreed to continue to call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to prevent any regional conflagration that would have devastating consequences for the countries in the region”, he added.
They will also continue their joint efforts for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the spokesman added.
The conversation took place amid growing concern about a possible military escalation in the Middle East, with Iran and its allies stepping up their threats against Israel.
Iran, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah blamed Israel for the death in Tehran
His assassination came just hours after a strike claimed by Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was at a “very high level” of preparation for any scenario, “both defensive and offensive”. AFP
