New York, Sept 23. (dpa/GNA) – German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, on Wednesday called on Tehran to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, during talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.
“It is up to Iran to engage constructively in negotiations, and to loosen its stranglehold,” Wadephul told journalists before meeting Araghchi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
After the meeting, sources in the German delegation said Wadephul had urged his Iranian counterpart to engage seriously and credibly in sustainable negotiations with the US and neighbouring states in the region.
“There must now be an overall willingness to compromise, in order to bring about a solution to the deadlocked conflict in the region.”
Germany and the E3 format, which are Germany, France and the United Kingdom, stand ready to support mediation efforts, Wadephul said.
Berlin’s top diplomat also stressed in the discussion with Araghchi that both Iran and its allied militias, such as the Houthi militia in Yemen, must cease attacks on civilian ships.
Germany expects free transit through the Strait of Hormuz to be restored immediately, he added. It also rejects any fees, including voluntary ones, for passage through the waterway, which is critical for global trade in oil, gas and fertilizer.
“Not only the Gulf States, but large parts of Asia, Africa and also Europe are suffering under this blockade,” Wadephul said.
GNA