Portugal’s Foreign Minister, Paulo Rangel, on Wednesday urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire in the conflict with Iran and called on Israel to stop attacks in Lebanon.
“Great discipline is required in observing the ceasefire agreement,” Rangel said at a joint press conference with Turkey’s Trade Minister, Omer Bolat, with whom he signed a bilateral protocol.
He expressed “great hope” that the truce could pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while acknowledging that negotiations would take time.
“We are very hopeful that this is a first step towards peace, because the conflict between Israel and the US against Iran, now spreading across the region, affects the whole world,” he said.
Rangel stressed that Israel must also halt operations in Lebanon. “I understand the security concerns regarding Hezbollah attacks on Israel, but we must support the Lebanese government and its courage,” he added.
US President Donald Trump confirmed a two-week suspension of strikes against Iran on Tuesday, part of a “bilateral ceasefire” following what he called a “viable” peace proposal from Tehran.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the truce aims to facilitate peace talks scheduled in Pakistan from tomorrow, April 10.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, who mediated the deal, said the ceasefire also covered Lebanon, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected this, continuing air strikes in the neighbouring country.
