Germany, France call for dialogue; British PM hugely concerned; Pak won’t pick sides
Germany, France call for dialogue; British PM hugely concerned; Pak won’t pick sides
Russia is ready to serve as an intermediary to resolve the dispute between Saudi Arabia and Iran that saw the kingdom break off diplomatic relations with Tehran, the foreign ministry said Monday.
“We ask... Tehran, Riyadh and other Gulf countries to show restraint,” the ministry said in a statement, as it called on Saudi Arabia and Iran to take “the path of dialogue”. “Russia is ready to support such efforts,” the statement said, adding that “Moscow is deeply concerned by the latest escalation of the situation in the Middle East caused by the major regional powers, Saudi Arabia and Iran.”
Earlier, a foreign ministry source had told AFP that “Russia is ready to serve as an intermediary between Riyadh and Tehran”. “If our partners Saudi Arabia and Iran show they are ready and willing (to meet), our initiative will remain on the table,” the source said.
Germany urged Riyadh and Tehran on Monday to restore diplomatic relations and warned it would take into account developments in Saudi Arabia when it decides on arms exports there. In Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert said: “We call on both countries to resume dialogue. We appeal to both countries... To use all means at their disposal to improve their diplomatic relations.”
A spokesman for the economy ministry meanwhile said it was “following developments” in Saudi Arabia, and that they would “come into play” when it decides on approval for future defence exports to the country. Germany’s vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel warned Saudi Arabia on Monday Berlin could review military exports in light of Riyadh’s mass executions of prisoners two days earlier. “It turns out we were right not to deliver battle tanks or G36 assault rifles to Saudi Arabia,” he said.
France urged Saudi Ara-bia and Iran on Monday to reduce tensions. “We need to be vigilant about what is happening between Saudi Arabia and Iran,” government spokesman Stephane Le Foll said. British PM David Cameron said tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia were “hugely concerning” Monday and condemned the death penalty following Riyadh’s controversial execution of a Shia cleric. Pakistan will not support Saudi Arabia or Iran as they head for clash amid worsening ties, officials here said, reports our correspondent. Senior officials said Pakistan could play a role for reconciliation between the two countries, if they are requested. The Arab League will hold emergency talks at the request of Saudi Arabia on Sunday to discuss attacks in Iran on the kingdom's embassy and consulate, its deputy head said.
