France condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, pledges to continue Aspides mission
France's foreign ministry denounced Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed its commitment to the EU's Aspides maritime security operation in the Red Sea.
Key Takeaways
AIFrance's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Paris's readiness to continue its participation in the European Aspides operation to secure navigation in the Red Sea. This comes as France also moves to support the Lebanese army and addresses what it sees as escalating Russian actions in Europe.
Speaking to Al Arabiya English, the French foreign ministry said France condemns the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and is prepared to maintain its involvement in the Aspides mission in the Red Sea.
This position comes amid an escalation of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea region. France reiterated at the UN Security Council its strong condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and assaults targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, and confirmed its ongoing participation in the European operation to ensure maritime security.
On Lebanon, the French foreign ministry said it is ready to organize a conference to support the Lebanese army and is exploring ways to assist the Lebanese government and strengthen the army's capabilities. This is happening alongside discussions on disarming Hezbollah and preventing a security vacuum in southern Lebanon.
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These efforts coincide with a conference hosted by Paris on September 17 to discuss support for the Lebanese army and Lebanon's security needs, amid concerns about the future of the international presence in southern Lebanon.
Regarding Russia, the French foreign ministry stated that Russian cyberattacks are accelerating in Europe and confirmed Paris's readiness to respond to any Russian escalation.
The ministry also stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine, asserting that Russia is "failing on the ground." In previous statements, the French foreign ministry described Russia's situation at the front as a failure and accused Moscow of intensifying attacks and hybrid activities against European countries.