NICOSIA (dpa-AFX) – Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has expressed reservations about the prospects of an early end to the Iran war. The USA is still focused on reducing Iran’s military capabilities, “which represent a threat to the neighborhood, but also to Europe, so that this danger no longer exists,” said the CDU politician at a meeting with his colleague Konstantinos Kombos in the Cypriot capital Nicosia. “I think these attacks will continue until this goal is achieved or the Iranian side has shown a serious willingness to negotiate.”
Wadephul: Europeans must prepare for negotiations
US President Donald Trump had previously suggested an early end to the war. “I think the war is almost over,” US broadcaster CBS News quoted him as saying. But he didn’t commit to a specific time.
Wadephul said Europeans must wait for the moment when there is a serious chance of entering into negotiations. They must “now position themselves very quickly so that we can also play a role in these negotiations.”
Solidarity with Cyprus – but currently no military support
Wadephul pledged solidarity with Cyprus in the event of possible new attacks with Iranian missiles or drones – but he again rejected military support. If a security policy situation arises “where Cyprus needs Germany, Germany will be there.” The obligation to provide assistance in the EU Treaty applies and Germany will fulfill it. Wadephul, however, referred to the distribution of military burdens within the EU. Numerous partners supported Cyprus, which is already a Mediterranean country. Germany is active in the Baltic Sea or the Baltics, for example.
Cyprus is the EU state that is geographically closest to the crisis region in the Middle East. The island in the eastern Mediterranean is only about 150 to 250 kilometers from Lebanon and Israel. An Iranian-made drone hit a British air base in Cyprus last week and caused minor damage.
Greece then sent four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates. France, Italy and Spain also sent ships to the region. Kombos thanked all states “that responded quickly and reaffirmed their support for Cyprus’ defense capabilities through concrete and tangible measures.”/bk/DP/stk
