Spanish PM Sanchez's new reaction-filled statement on the war: 'We also stand with Turkey'

Following the 36th Spain-Portugal Intergovernmental Summit held in the southern Spanish city of Huelva, host Prime Minister Sanchez and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro held a joint press conference.

Emphasizing that they are "deeply concerned" about developments in the Middle East following the US and Israel's attacks on Iran, Sanchez said, "This is a real threat. While being a threat to world peace is enough on its own, it does not stop there; it is also a threat to the welfare and peace of families, and to the entire national economy, especially household finances."

"International law has been violated"

Stating that "This war is a huge mistake and completely illegal," Sanchez made the following assessment:

"I have admiration for the American people and respect for the US presidency. Our position is very clear. We defend international legality. And among allied countries, if one has made a mistake or done something wrong, it is good for the other to point it out. And this war is an extraordinary mistake. War is a huge mistake and it will have consequences. The rise in oil and gas prices, the suffering of the people in the region, and the deaths are already evident. Why are we in Ukraine? Because international law has been violated. A country's territory has been occupied. Why do we stand with Palestine? Why are we against the genocide in Gaza? Because international law, and human rights which mean the same thing, have been very clearly violated."

Stating that "Spain stands with international law," Sanchez added, "Not only that. As seen in polls published in many media outlets today (2 out of every 3 Spaniards oppose the war), the Spanish government also stands with the vast majority."

Sanchez said, "Just as we say no to the Iran war, we are determined to extend a helping hand and show solidarity to a European Union (EU) country (the Greek Cypriot Administration) that is a victim of this conflict, with the same determination."

Sanchez stated that the frigate named "Cristobal Colon," which has the most advanced technology in Spain and which they decided to send to the Eastern Mediterranean, will serve for the purposes of "protection, rescue, defense, and collective security."

The Spanish Prime Minister assessed, "The issue here is not about being for or against the Iranian regime; the fundamental issue is whether or not to adhere to international law. We have always been against the Iranian regime. Therefore, the Spanish government's stance is consistent and coherent. This war will only bring pain, suffering, and economic hardship."

"We also stand with our ally and friend Turkey"

On the other hand, Portugal's conservative, right-wing Prime Minister Montenegro, when asked about US President Donald Trump's threat to cut off bilateral trade with Spain, said, "Threats are not a way to find solutions. Despite the Iranian regime's serious human rights violations and nuclear armament policies, we advocate for the reduction of aggression in the region. The Portuguese government is a government that advocates for diplomacy and negotiation as a way to resolve conflicts, and at the same time, always stands by its allies when they are in conflict."

Emphasizing that Portugal always stands with the EU, NATO, and the United Nations (UN), Montenegro noted that they also stand with Turkey, which he underlined as an "ally and friend country," just as they do with their support for the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Within the scope of the summit, the Spanish and Portuguese governments signed bilateral cooperation agreements on combating climate change, civil protection, emergency response, promoting healthy nutrition, competitiveness and consumer rights, labor rights, and social policies.

News Source: 12punto