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France, Germany, Britain Working on Maritime "Observation" Mission in Gulf: Le Drian

Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.

July 23, 2019

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (Photo courtesy of France Diplomatie)

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (Photo courtesy of France Diplomatie)

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said France was working with European capitals to improve maritime security in the Persian Gulf but stopped short of backing Britain's call for a naval mission to ensure safe shipping in the region.

Jean-Yves Le Drian on Tuesday told lawmakers a de-escalation of tensions was needed several days after Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz in what London said was an act of "state piracy".

"This is why we are setting up a European initiative, with Britain and Germany, to ensure that there is a mission to monitor and observe maritime security in the Gulf," Le Drian said. 

(Reuters, Reporting by Sophie Louet; Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Mathieu Rosemain)

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