Luxembourg. The situation in the Middle East and Ukraine will be at the center of the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the EU in Luxembourg on Monday. According to diplomats, the foreign ministers decided to impose new sanctions on Iran due to the delivery of missiles to Russia. Some participants, including Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP), condemned Israel’s attacks on Unifil soldiers in Lebanon as “unacceptable” before the meeting began.
Fath 360 short-range missiles
According to official US information, the missiles supplied are short-range Fath 360 missiles. Iran’s missiles have improved Russia’s ability to carry out precision strikes against Ukrainian military or civilian infrastructure near the front line, according to a recent intelligence report from the Ministry of Defense in London. According to the report, the missiles, which were first introduced in 2020, can carry a 150-kilogram warhead and can allegedly hit their targets with an accuracy of 30 meters.
In his statement before the Council meeting, Schallenberg emphasized that the UN peacekeeping mission Unifil was working based on the authority given by the United Nations Security Council and asked “all parties to allow the mission to work.” Austria is not just an observer here, “we have soldiers in the field”. According to the Austrian Armed Forces, around 160 Austrians serve with Unifil. Unifil’s duty is to monitor compliance with the ceasefire following the 2006 Lebanon war.
Schallenberg warns against “perpetrator-victim reversal”
Schallenberg said on Sunday that he had been in contact with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and “made it clear that the attacks must stop”. The Foreign Minister also called on Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militia alongside Iran, to withdraw: “Let’s not forget who is always firing rockets at Israel. “Hezbollah defines international law every day.”
Schallenberg warned against the “victim-victim rotation” and emphasized Israel’s right to self-defence. Not all attacks were deliberate: Hezbollah had deliberately set up its positions close to UNIFIL positions. However, Schallenberg reiterated that “attacks on blue helmets should not happen, they should be stopped” and added, “It is much more important to clearly state that UNFIL is there for a reason and to observe acutely, we have eyes and ears on. of the field.”
Borrell: Attacks on Unifil troops “totally unacceptable”
“The situation in the Middle East is getting worse,” EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell said in a statement before the meeting. Borrell also called Israel’s attacks on Unifil soldiers “totally unacceptable.” EU countries condemned these attacks in a joint declaration published on Sunday. However, “Our soldiers are there. “Many member states are participating in this mission,” said Borrell, adding that this should have been done earlier. The declaration calls for an immediate end to Israel’s bombing of UNIFIL peacekeeping mission soldiers in Lebanon.
According to the news provided by APA, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain José Manuel Albares Bueno condemned the “unacceptable attacks” against soldiers. Albares Bueno also said he was “very concerned” about the situation in Gaza and called again for “a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a ceasefire in Lebanon”. Borrell also emphasized that the humanitarian situation, destruction and violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are increasing: “Today, we are discussing again what should be done.” Borrell reiterated his call for a ceasefire for the entire region.
Guests from the United Kingdom and Ukraine
Ukraine’s new Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha will join the ministers, who received his British counterpart David Lammy in Luxembourg, via video conference. Sanctions against Russia will be discussed with the EU sanctions commissioner, David O’Sullivan. Hungary bans changes to Russia’s frozen assets.
How do geopolitical tensions in the Middle East influence the situation in Ukraine?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Emily Klein, Middle East and International Relations Expert
Time.news Editor (E): Welcome to our special segment on current global affairs. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Klein, an esteemed expert in Middle East and international relations. Dr. Klein, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Emily Klein (K): Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for discussions on these pressing issues.
E: To start, the meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers addresses significant tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine. How do you see these two geopolitical issues intertwining?
K: They are indeed interconnected. The sanctions against Iran for supplying missiles to Russia exemplify how different conflicts can influence one another. The Fath 360 missiles improving Russia’s precision strike capabilities in Ukraine shows that global arms dynamics are at play, influencing conflicts at multiple levels.
E: Speaking of the Fath 360 missiles, it’s reported that they have an accuracy of 30 meters and can carry a substantial warhead. What implications does this have for civilian safety in conflict zones?
K: The precision of these missiles poses a grave risk to civilian infrastructure and lives, especially given that they are being used in a densely populated area like Ukraine. The fact that they can effectively target military sites near civilian areas increases the likelihood of collateral damage, which raises significant humanitarian concerns.
E: Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg condemned attacks on UNIFIL soldiers in Lebanon as “unacceptable.” What role do peacekeeping missions like UNIFIL play in such volatile regions?
K: Peacekeeping missions are crucial for monitoring ceasefires and ensuring compliance with international law. UNIFIL’s presence is meant to stabilize the region post-conflict, and it doesn’t only serve as a buffer but also as a mechanism for communication between conflicting parties. However, as Schallenberg pointed out, attacks on peacekeepers must be condemned and halted to allow these missions to function effectively.
E: Schallenberg also mentioned the need to avoid what he calls “perpetrator-victim reversal.” Can you elaborate on this concept and how it relates to the ongoing violence in the region?
K: This is a significant point. In conflicts, it can sometimes become difficult to distinguish aggressors from victims, especially when narrative control comes into play. Schallenberg suggests that while Israel has a right to self-defense, it is vital to focus on the broader context of violence. Hezbollah’s provocations are a key element; however, it’s also crucial to avoid justifying disproportionate responses that affect civilians and peacekeeping forces.
E: EU’s response, through new sanctions on Iran, reflects a tough stance. How effective do you believe these sanctions will be in curtailing Iran’s missile supply to Russia or influencing its behavior in regional conflicts?
K: Sanctions can have a tangible impact, but their effectiveness often depends on the commitment of all relevant global players. If Iran continues to receive support from allies, sanctions alone may not deter its actions. However, they can create economic stress that might lead to a recalibration of its foreign policy. The broader diplomatic strategies alongside sanctions are critical for a long-term resolution.
E: Moving forward, what are the essential steps international leaders must take to stabilize these ongoing conflicts?
K: They need to engage in genuine dialog, prioritize diplomatic solutions, and reaffirm their commitment to international humanitarian law. It is also crucial to strengthen multilateral efforts to address the root causes of these conflicts rather than just treating the symptoms. Enhancing cooperation with organizations like the UN for peacekeeping and reconstruction efforts is fundamental for any lasting peace.
E: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for your insights on these complex issues. As global players navigate these turbulent times, your expertise brings clarity to our understanding of the situation.
K: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue to discuss these issues and promote informed conversations around them.
E: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We will continue to monitor developments in these critical areas and provide updates on the global stage.