Defence minister rules out military support for US and Israeli war against Iran
Belgian Defence minister Theo Francken has ruled out the possibility that Belgium would provide military support to Israel and the United States in their war against Iran. "We are not going to do that," Francken said in the House committee on Wednesday.
The committee convened earlier in the day for an exchange of views on the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran. Francken was questioned about remarks he had made on Tuesday, when he said Belgium was preparing to provide military support in the region. Several MPs asked whether a formal request had already been received.
"Not yet. But will we get it? Possibly," Francken replied. He said Belgium would be prepared to act if a request came from countries such as Jordan or the United Arab Emirates, "in line with international law". He stressed that this would apply, as they were attacked by Iran. As an EU member state, Belgium would also be obliged to assist Cyprus.
However, Francken drew a clear distinction with the current military campaign by Washington and Tel Aviv, which he described as "against international law". Taking part in those operations would therefore be a different matter. "We are not going to do that," he reiterated.
Belgium backs international law
On Wednesday, Francken also reaffirmed his support for international law. He did so in response to a radio interview on Tuesday, where he said that it does not always function effectively in practice, despite him backing it.
In the committee, the minister aligned himself with the government's position that the American and Israeli attacks violate international law, while arguing they are "justified for global security". As a small EU member state, Belgium has a strong interest in upholding international law, he added.
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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