SEOUL: Calling for resumption of talks to resolve the ongoing conflict in West Asia, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that it would be “unrealistic” to conduct military operation to liberate the Strait of Hormuz.
“There are those who advocate for the liberation of the Strait of Hormuz by force through a military operation, a position sometimes expressed by the United States. It is unrealistic because it would take an inordinate amount of time and would expose anyone crossing the strait to coastal threats from the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guards, who possess significant resources, as well as ballistic missiles, (and) a host of other risks,” Euro News quoted Macron as saying during his State Visit to South Korea.
“This can only be done in concert with Iran. So, first and foremost, there must be a ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations,” he added. Macron accused US President Donald Trump of creating confusion by repeatedly contradicting himself on the West Asian conflict. “You have to be serious. When you want to be serious, you don’t say the opposite every day of what you said the day before. And perhaps you shouldn’t talk every day.”
He also accused Trump of undermining North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) by creating “daily doubt” about the US commitment to the alliance, Euro News reported.
“If you create daily doubt about your commitment, you hollow it out,” Macron said, adding that there is “too much talk ... going off in all directions.” (IANS)
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