German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) has announced a Franco-German initiative for Lebanon and other diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing peace to the Middle and Near East. Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel” ahead of the upcoming Franco-German Ministerial Council, the CDU politician stated that Germany and France plan to formulate a joint policy regarding Lebanon to increase the chances of achieving peace in the region.
Regarding both the Iran crisis and the war in Ukraine, the federal government, according to Wadephul, now sees a suitable time for negotiations. He emphasized that now is the moment to make a serious attempt to resolve both conflicts, adding that neither conflict will be settled on the battlefield but at the negotiation table-and that earlier talks would be better for the people involved.
Citing the recent increase in violence, the minister referred to the military phenomenon as a final surge before negotiations begin. He speculated that such an event might be occurring, noting that the recent attacks by Russia and Iran seemed timed around the NATO summit, potentially serving to demonstrate perceived strength. In this context, Wadephul described the financial commitment made to Kyiv at the NATO summit as a clear message to Putin: that Ukraine has the stamina to persevere with our support, compelling Russia to finally enter into negotiations.
