Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

US, EU, NATO Release Joint Statement on Houthi Attacks in Red Sea


Wed 20 Dec 2023 | 11:14 AM
US, NATO, EU Flags - File Photo
US, NATO, EU Flags - File Photo
Rana Atef

On Tuesday, the Governments of the United States of America, High Representative Josep Borrell on behalf of the European Union, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on behalf of NATO, and a group representing 44 Allies and partner nations released a joint statement on the attacks of the Houthi in the Red Sea.

The statement read: "The undersigned condemn Houthi interference with navigational rights and freedoms in the waters around the Arabian Peninsula, particularly the Red Sea. The numerous attacks originating from Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, including the December 3 attacks against three commercial vessels in the Southern Red Sea connected to 14 nations, threaten international commerce and maritime security."

It added: "The Houthi-led seizure of the Galaxy Leader on November 19 and the detention of its 25-member international crew – who remain unjustly detained – is appalling. Such behaviour also threatens the movement of food, fuel, humanitarian assistance, and other essential commodities to destinations and populations all over the world. The undersigned further encourage all states to refrain from facilitation or encouragement of the Houthis. There is no justification for these attacks, which affect many countries beyond the flags these ships sail under."

It concluded: "We again call on the Houthis to release the Galaxy Leader crew and ship immediately and to cease additional attacks on commercial vessels in the region’s vital waterways."

The statement was signed by:

High Representative Josep Borrell on behalf of the European Union

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on behalf of NATO

Australia

The Bahamas

Japan

Liberia

New Zealand

Republic of Korea

Singapore

Yemen

The UAE