France condemns the attacks carried out by the Houthis in the Red Sea
January 12, 2024
I would like to thank M. Khiari for his briefing.
France condemns the attacks carried out by the Houthis in the Red Sea against commercial vessels. It welcomes the adoption of Resolution 2722, which sends a message of firmness to the Houthis.
Through their armed actions, the Houthis bear responsibility for the escalation of tensions in the region, as well as for international stability. They are a direct threat to 15% of world trade. France continues to call for the immediate release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew, who are from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania and Mexico, and illegally detained by the Houthis. We call on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which finances and arms the Houthis, to cease its destabilizing actions.
In Resolution 2722, the Security Council recalled that the exercise of navigation rights and freedoms must be respected, and that States have the right to react to these attacks, in accordance with international law.
France will continue to assume its responsibilities and contribute to maritime security in this region, in coordinationa with its partners, as it did on December 9 and 11 when the Languedoc frigate was called upon to destroy Houthi drones.
Thank you.