PARIS, July 5 — Malaysia and France yesterday reaffirmed their stand for a ceasefire in Palestine’s Gaza and for humanitarian aid to get through.
The call was made by France President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a press conference at the Elysee Palace here.
Macron said he and Anwar agreed a permanent truce must take place in Gaza, and that hostages must be released.
The president said a two-state solution is the best course of action.
“We are working with several parties, among them Saudi (Arabia), towards this. For now, Israel must allow aid to reach Gaza,” he said.
During the press conference held before their bilateral meeting, Anwar praised Macron for his action in resolving the conflict in Gaza.
“We have condemned the continued bombings and atrocities inflicted upon civilians, women and children, and it’s a shame that the international community is not able to resolve this.
“Your (France’s) initiative is supported by us. No question about peace, and if it takes two sides to secure peace, I agree with you. That’s why we have also committed to the two-state solution,” said Anwar.
He added that Malaysia also condemns Israel’s aggression in Iran and will continue to support France’s efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.
“I don’t think we can deny the issue of the use of nuclear (power) for peaceful means. Nuclear non-proliferation, proliferation, or even power, cannot be seen to be selective,” he said.
“If you say no to Iran, (and) you say yes to Israel, we have a problem; try and resolve that. But I agree with you, we must impress upon Iran to use this for peaceful methods and peaceful means and allow for inspection, which they have given a commitment,” Anwar added.
Macron meanwhile said Iran must unequivocally reaffirm its support for the Non-Proliferation Treaty and withdraw its law limiting cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
He said Iran must also agree to a deal that will lead to the end of uranium enrichment in Iran, while allowing the country to benefit from peaceful use of nuclear energy.
“This has been the focus of my discussions with the Iranian president, as well as with Russian President Vladimir Putin and, just yesterday, with American President Donald Trump. I will continue talks in the coming days with other members of the Security Council.
“We also want an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.
“We condemn just as firmly the attacks on civilian populations. This war of aggression launched by Russia has consequences far beyond Europe — as we are now seeing with the deployment of North Korean soldiers on European soil,” Macron said.
— Bernama
