"When Cyprus is attacked, it is Europe that is attacked. The defence of Cyprus is obviously a key issue for your country, for your neighbour, partner and friend, Greece, but also for France and, with it, the European Union."
"The visit came a week after a Shahed drone crashed into a hangar at RAF Akrotiri, leaving a gaping hole in the building where US U-2 reconnaissance planes were reported to be stationed. Hours later, two other Iranian-made combat drones were intercepted off Cyprus by British fighter jets. All three attacks had been launched from Lebanon, 150 miles to the island's east."
"Around 20m barrels of oil—the equivalent of a fifth of the world's seaborne crude supply—pass through the strait every day, with Greek tankers carrying much of it because of the country's dominant role in global shipping. Macron said reopening the artery was vital. It is essential for international trade."
Emmanuel Macron visited Cyprus to demonstrate European solidarity following Iranian drone strikes on the island, including an attack on RAF Akrotiri. Standing with Greek and Cypriot leaders, Macron stated that attacks on Cyprus represent attacks on Europe itself, emphasizing the strategic importance of defending EU territory in the Middle East region. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reinforced this commitment, rejecting any threat to European territory. The visit also served to announce a planned defensive mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where numerous ships remain stranded. This mission would commence after the conflict's most intense phase concludes. The strait's reopening is critical for global trade, as approximately 20 million barrels of oil—one-fifth of the world's seaborne crude supply—transit daily through this vital waterway.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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