Macron: A two-state solution is necessary in Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke at the British Parliament. In his speech delivered in English, Macron praised Anglo-French relations, saying, "This shared path has been forged many times in brotherhood of arms. Many times this path has advanced in those mountains, in the small passes of the Ardennes, under German bullets from 1914 to 1918. This shared path has many times almost gone off course; many times it almost went off course, only to be reclaimed by our common ancestors who conquered the beaches of Normandy inch by inch, and it was shaped in the dazzling sun of June 1944."

Thanking British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Macron said, "Dear Keir, thank you for attending the commemoration ceremonies held last November and for honoring our soldiers who lost their lives."

"WE WILL FIGHT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE"

Addressing the close alliance between France and the United Kingdom regarding Ukraine and their joint action against Russian advances, Emmanuel Macron stated, "We will fight until the last minute to secure this ceasefire, to launch negotiations, and to build a strong and sustainable peace."

Emphasizing that the United Kingdom and France will also work together to call for an end to the conflicts in the Middle East, the French President called for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and for a ceasefire. Macron said, "The foundation of this must be a two-state solution." Touching on the issue of Iran, Macron said that France, the United Kingdom, and Germany could work together to initiate negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.

"ONLY THE UK AND FRANCE POSSESS NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN EUROPE"

Stating that despite the ongoing turmoil on the European continent and across the world, British-French relations have only strengthened, French President Emmanuel Macron noted that military relations are developing in the fields of defense and security, adding, "We must ensure that our countries not only save themselves but also save Europe through our solidarity."

Stating that only the UK and France possess nuclear weapons in Europe, Macron said, "We must fully assume our responsibility regarding European security because we are facing new threats, aggressive nuclear powers, sometimes hesitant alliances, and the return of major conflicts to our continent. That is why our summit today is so important and the statements we have prepared are of a historic nature."

"IT IS NECESSARY TO REDUCE DEPENDENCIES"

Addressing relations with China and the US, Emmanuel Macron said that Britain, France, and Europe must "de-risk" and reduce their dependencies on the US and China. Emphasizing that both countries have closer relations with Washington than with Beijing, Macron stated, "But let's be realistic: If Europeans, if the United Kingdom and France do not work together, if we do not reduce our dependencies, if we remain dependent on both China and the US, I think we have a clear picture regarding our own future and the future of our children."

Describing the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union (Brexit) as regrettable, Macron said that this issue does not constitute an obstacle to a closer relationship. Macron emphasized that sovereignty "means a lot" to both the United Kingdom and France. Stressing that despite Brexit, the UK "cannot remain on the sidelines" and must be involved in dialogues conducted on issues such as security and defense, Macron said, "It would be wrong to go in different directions. Instead, it is necessary to move side by side. Let us not allow the English Channel to widen even further."

Macron concluded his speech at the parliament by saying, "The only way to overcome the difficulties we face, the challenges of our time, is to walk together, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder. This is our shared future."

News Source: İHA