Description
Added on the 19/04/2024 11:24:54 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says that the Middle East needs "calm heads to prevail" after Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory. "We'll be working with our allies to de-escalate the situation and I look forward to speaking to G7 leaders later this afternoon," Sunak tells reporters in Downing Street. SOUNDBITE
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that China can play a role in reducing tensions in the Middle East, including through its influence with Iran. "I think the relationships that China has can be positive in trying to calm tensions, to prevent escalation, avoid the spread of the conflict," Blinken told reporters, saying Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed to stay in contact on the Middle East. SOUNDBITE
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken leaves Joint Base Andrews as he heads back to the Middle East to push ahead a Gaza ceasefire deal, as cautious optimism rises. The top US diplomat, who is putting off vacation plans for his ninth trip to the Middle East since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, will fly to Tel Aviv ahead of expected meetings with the Israeli leadership. IMAGES
The Group of Seven industrialised nations is "committed to de-escalating" tensions in the Middle East in the wake of reports that Israel launched strikes on Iran in retaliation for its unprecedented attack on Israeli soil Saturday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says. "We're committed to Israel's security. We're also committed to de-escalating, to trying to bring this tension to a close," Blinken tells a press conference after a meeting of G7 foreign ministers on the Italian island of Capri. SOUNDBITE
European foreign policy chief Josep Borrell gives a press conference in Capri, Italy ahead of the Foreign Affairs Ministers' Meeting in which he warns that 'We are on the edge of a war with the Middle East which will be sending shock waves to the rest of the world and in particular to Europe." SOUNDBITE
Supporters of Zambian President Lungu hold a rally in Lusaka during a tense presidential race, which has been marked by clashes between rival supporters. The presidential election will take place on Thursday. IMAGES.