European Union Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia
Brussels, October 12 (KUNA) -- The European Union strongly condemned on Monday the attacks by the Houthi militia on Saudi Arabia and rejected the imposition of fees or tolls on international sea shipping routes, emphasizing the need to protect civilian infrastructure and keep international waters open for navigation without financial restrictions.
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, speaking at a press conference following a meeting of foreign ministers of member states in Luxembourg, stated that the attacks targeting Riyadh Airport constituted “horrific acts of terrorism” and that random attacks on civilian infrastructure could not be justified. She added that she had conveyed her condolences to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and exchanged views with him on the situation, noting that the naval escort operations conducted by the EU’s Operation Aspides in the Red Sea were gaining increasing importance amid the serious escalation by the Houthis.
She welcomed the additional ships offered by member states to support the operation, stressing the need for more vessels and emphasizing that keeping the Red Sea open for navigation was a strategic interest for the European Union.
In a related development, Kallas announced that more than 60 countries had pledged to oppose the imposition of fees or tolls on international sea shipping routes. She explained that she had launched the “No Fees, No Tolls” initiative last summer to ensure freedom of navigation in international waters, adding that the initiative had received broad international commitment.
She expressed gratitude to the countries that joined the pledge, called on other nations to participate, and announced that a declaration on the matter would be issued following the press conference. Kallas stressed that international waters, which she described as the arteries of the global economy, must remain open to all, not only to those able to pay fees. (End) A.R.N. / H.S.S.
