Belgian defence minister Theo Francken (Flemish nationalist N-VA) has ruled out that Belgium would offer military support to Israel and/or the United States in their war against Iran. ‘We will not do so,’ Francken told the house defence committee.
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“Belgium not planning to support US-Israeli effort in illegal war” says Belgian defence minister Francken
Colin Clapson
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The defence committee of the lower house of the Belgian parliament held an exchange of views on the war that the US and Israel have started against Iran. Minister Francken was also asked about statements he made on Tuesday.
Yesterday Mr Francken told VRT News that Belgium is preparing to provide military support in the region. Several lawmakers wanted to know whether any such request had already been made.
‘Not at present. But will we receive one? Possibly,’ Francken replied. He clarified that Belgium is prepared to commit itself if the request comes from countries like Jordan and/or the United Arab Emirates, and the request is ‘in line with international law’. He emphasised that any request from these countries would lead to lawful action ‘because they have been attacked by Iran’. As an EU member state, Belgium is also obliged to assist Cyprus.
The war waged by the US and Israel, on the other hand, is clearly ‘against international law’, Francken notes. Joining in is therefore a completely different matter. ‘We are not going to do so’.