German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock came out strongly, unequivocally condemning Russia’s war in Ukraine in her final speech. Baerbock called Russia’s war in Ukraine a “frontal, shameless attack.” “We count every day of this brutal war of aggression … because every day is one day too many,” Baerbock said.

Russia Must ‘Immediately End’ Aggressive War — G7

In a joint statement issued earlier, the foreign ministers of Germany, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the G7, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States called on Russia “to immediately stop its war of aggression against Ukraine. and to withdraw all its forces and military equipment”. Russia’s recent escalation of hostilities in Ukraine was condemned along with its attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The foreign ministers called Russia’s “nuclear rhetoric” “unacceptable” and warned that any use of chemical or nuclear weapons “will be met with serious consequences.” The comments come in the wake of the clean assessment by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of three sites in Ukraine, following claims by Russia that Kyiv was preparing a so-called “dirty bomb”. G7 diplomats decided to stay the course with economic sanctions along with other states that support Russia’s war of aggression. The statement also reiterated the G7’s “unwavering commitment to continue to provide the economic, humanitarian, defense, political, technical and legal support Ukraine needs to alleviate the suffering of its people.” Ministers agreed to continue coordinating among G7 nations to help address the consequences of Russia’s aggressive war and the resulting global food and energy crises.

G7 holds crisis talks over Russian missile attacks

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He calls for the release of prisoners in Iran

G7 members expressed their support for the people of Iran and condemned the death of Jina Mahsa Amini after she was arrested by the country’s morality police, calling on the Iranian authorities to “release unjustly detained people, including recently arrested protesters, children , journalists and human rights defenders”. Iran’s “destabilizing activities” in the Middle East were condemned in the G7 statement, including Tehran’s use of ballistic and cruise missiles along with drones and “transfers of such advanced weapons to state and non-state actors.” He also made it clear that “Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon” and would continue to work with international partners to address what he called Iran’s nuclear escalation and the level of cooperation with the IAEA.

G7 seeks “constructive cooperation” with China

According to the statement, G7 members should engage in “constructive cooperation” with China on issues of peace and security, global health, climate and conservation. The G7 called for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and said there would be “no change in G7 members’ basic position on Taiwan, including those stated on China’s policies.” Concerns about human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet will continue to be raised along with renewed concern over what ministers called “the continued erosion of Hong Kong’s rights, freedoms and autonomy”. kb/sms (AP, AFP)