Germany, France, UK want end to violence in Iraq

Anti-war activists march from the White House to the Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC, on January 4, 2020. Demonstrators are protesting the US drone attack which killed Iran's Major General Qasem Soleimani in Iraq on January 3, a dramatic escalation in spiralling tensions between Iran and the US. PHOTO | ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS | AFP 

In Summary

• The three countries reaffirmed their commitment to continue the fight against Daesh (ISIS), which remains a high priority.

By FRED OLUOCH
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Germany, France and the United Kingdom are urging restraint in the USA-Iran tension that could result into war engulfing many countries.

The US-Iran tension—that got worse in May last year when the US withdrew the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for the Iranian nuclear programme—escalated last week when the US used a drone to kill Iranian General Qasem Soleimani while he was in Iraq.

In a joint statement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there is an urgent need for de-escalation of the tension. 

“We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and responsibility. The current cycle of violence in Iraq must be stopped,” the statement said.

The three leaders said they are ready to continue their engagement with all sides in order to contribute to defuse tensions and restore stability to the region.

However, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to continue the fight against Daesh (ISIS), which remains a high priority. “The preservation of the Coalition is key in this regard. We therefore urge the Iraqi authorities to continue providing the Coalition all the necessary support,” said the statement.

Germany, France and UK condemned the recent attacks on coalitions forces in Iraq and are gravely concerned by the negative role Iran has played in the region, including through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp IRGC and the Al-Qods force under the command of the late General Soleimani.

The three countries specifically called on Iran to refrain from further violent action or proliferation, and urged Iran to reverse all measures inconsistent with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

“We recall our attachment to the sovereignty and security of Iraq. Another crisis risks jeopardising years of efforts to stabilise Iraq,” said the statement.