Germany and several partner nations are pressing for a lasting solution in the Middle East following the agreed-upon two-week ceasefire. A joint statement released on Wednesday, signed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and other heads of state and government, emphasized that the objective must now be to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the war in the coming days. According to the statement, this can only be achieved through diplomatic means, and they are strongly urging for rapid progress toward a substantive negotiated solution. Such a resolution would be crucial for protecting the civilian population in Iran and ensuring regional security. Furthermore, the signatories noted that a diplomatic solution could also avert a severe global energy crisis, confirming their support for these ongoing diplomatic efforts. To this end, they are maintaining close contact with the United States and other partners. They called on all parties to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon, and stated their willingness to help guarantee the freedom of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Among those who signed the declaration, besides Merz, were French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU Council President António Costa.
Germany Allies Push For Lasting End To Iran War
