US Defense Secretary Austin: We are facing the risk of an all-out war
Following the AUKUS (the nuclear submarine alliance between Australia, the UK, and the US) Defense Ministers Meeting held in London, the capital of the UK, British Defense Secretary John Healey, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, and US Defense Secretary Austin held a joint press conference.
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In his speech here, British Secretary Healey pointed out that the meeting was held in an environment of global insecurity, but stated that they pledged to "stand firm against Russian aggression and for peace in the Middle East."
Pointing to the importance of the AUKUS agreement made with the US and Australia and the cooperation between the countries, Healey said, "Investment in our future technologies will help foster innovation and develop new warfighting capabilities."
Touching on the situation in the Middle East in his speech, Secretary Healey reiterated the calls for British citizens in Lebanon to leave the country as soon as possible.
Healey said, "I call on Israeli Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu and Lebanese Hezbollah leaders to heed the joint voice of the United Nations (UN) and declare a 21-day ceasefire where negotiations can begin and conflicts can end."
"WE ARE FACING THE RISK OF AN ALL-OUT WAR"
US Defense Secretary Austin also expressed his pleasure at being in London for the third defense ministers' meeting in the context of the AUKUS agreement.
Secretary Austin pointed out that the strong relationship between his country, the UK, and Australia makes it easier to work together on complex issues.
Touching on the developments in the Middle East, Austin assessed that "The situation in Lebanon and northern Israel is extremely concerning."
Warning that this situation could lead to a larger conflict in the region for both sides, Secretary Austin said, "Therefore, this is in no one's interest, and the best way forward is to follow a path that will allow diplomacy to take place again."
Austin warned, "We are currently facing the risk of an all-out war, and another all-out war could be devastating for both Israel and Lebanon."
CALL FOR AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS IN LEBANON TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY
Australian Defense Minister Marles also expressed his concern about the situation in the Middle East and called on Australian citizens in Lebanon to leave the country.
The AUKUS agreement, which aims for Australia to build a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines through technology transfer from the US and the UK, was signed on September 16, 2021. Under the security agreement named "AUKUS," which consists of the acronym of the three countries in English, at least 8 nuclear-powered submarines will be built in shipyards in Adelaide, the capital of the state of South Australia.