HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Joint Statement on Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea
Joint Statement on Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea
The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, High Representative Josep Borrell on behalf of the European Union, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on behalf of NATO, and a group representing 44 Allies and partner nations.
Begin Text
The undersigned condemn Houthi interference with navigational rights and freedoms in the waters around the Arabian Peninsula, particularly the Red Sea. The numerous attacks originating from Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, including the December 3 attacks against three commercial vessels in the Southern Red Sea connected to 14 nations, threaten international commerce and maritime security. The Houthi-led seizure of the Galaxy Leader on November 19 and the detention of its 25-member international crew – who remain unjustly detained – is appalling. Such behavior also threatens the movement of food, fuel, humanitarian assistance, and other essential commodities to destinations and populations all over the world. The undersigned further encourage all states to refrain from facilitation or encouragement of the Houthis. There is no justification for these attacks, which affect many countries beyond the flags these ships sail under. We again call on the Houthis to release the Galaxy Leader crew and ship immediately and to cease additional attacks on commercial vessels in the region’s vital waterways.
SIGNED
High Representative Josep Borrell on Behalf of the European Union
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on behalf of NATO
Australia
The Bahamas
Japan
Liberia
New Zealand
Republic of Korea
Singapore
The United States
Yemen
End Text
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Joint Statement on Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea
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Joint Statement on Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea
Media Note
December 19, 2023
The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, High Representative Josep Borrell on behalf of the European Union, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on behalf of NATO, and a group representing 44 Allies and partner nations.
Begin Text
The undersigned condemn Houthi interference with navigational rights and freedoms in the waters around the Arabian Peninsula, particularly the Red Sea. The numerous attacks originating from Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, including the December 3 attacks against three commercial vessels in the Southern Red Sea connected to 14 nations, threaten international commerce and maritime security. The Houthi-led seizure of the Galaxy Leader on November 19 and the detention of its 25-member international crew – who remain unjustly detained – is appalling. Such behavior also threatens the movement of food, fuel, humanitarian assistance, and other essential commodities to destinations and populations all over the world. The undersigned further encourage all states to refrain from facilitation or encouragement of the Houthis. There is no justification for these attacks, which affect many countries beyond the flags these ships sail under. We again call on the Houthis to release the Galaxy Leader crew and ship immediately and to cease additional attacks on commercial vessels in the region’s vital waterways.
SIGNED
High Representative Josep Borrell on Behalf of the European UnionSecretary General Jens Stoltenberg on behalf of NATOAustraliaThe BahamasJapanLiberiaNew ZealandRepublic of KoreaSingaporeThe United StatesYemen
End Text
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Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
European Union
Human Rights and Democracy
Humanitarian Aid
Maritime Matters
Maritime Security
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Office of the Spokesperson
The Ocean and Polar Affairs
Yemen Read MoreClimate, Environment, and Conservation – United States Department of State