Macron Rules Out Lifting Russia Sanctions Amid Middle East Tensions
"The current situation does not justify lifting the sanctions on Russia. Our focus on Ukraine, supporting the country, and maintaining clarity on sanctions against Russia remains unchanged, and we will continue these effort," he said following a videoconference with G7 leaders.
Macron emphasized the importance of maintaining a presence in the eastern Mediterranean, ensuring free passage through the Red Sea, and coordinating efforts to escort ships safely through the Strait of Hormuz, which he described as having become a "theater of war." He noted that current conditions do not yet allow for the removal of sanctions.
He also highlighted that the G7 plans to encourage maximum oil production among all producers and to engage with multiple countries to prevent export restrictions. "At the national level, the government is conducting checks to ensure that no one takes advantage of the situation to raise prices too quickly or excessively," Macron added.
Ahead of the meeting, Macron called for coordinated action to guarantee freedom of navigation through all strategic straits amid growing regional tensions. "I think it's important we coordinate in order to make sure that freedom of navigation is clearly restored in all the straits as soon as possible, but also to be prepared to, as well, preserve freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, which is, as well, very sensitive," he said. He stressed that France is ready to "reactivate some operations we had years ago."
Macron also welcomed the decision by member countries of the International Energy Agency to release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, noting that this amount is roughly equivalent to 20 days of exports passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
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