As reported by Ukrinform, the European Parliament has drawn up a resolution concerning the hostage of crew members by Iran-backed Houthi forces, adopted today during a meeting in Strasbourg.
On the 19th of November 2023, armed men dropping from a helicopter seized the cargo ship in the southern Red Sea. The crew is made up of nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania, Galaxy Maritime said. The vessel is chartered by Japan’s Nippon Yusen.
The document was voted in favor by 357 MEPs, against by 20, and 58 abstained.
“The European Parliament… Calls on the EU and its Member States to strengthen and intensify efforts to secure the safe and immediate release of all hostages taken (on board) the Galaxy Leader, including two Bulgarian, one Romanian and three Ukrainian nationals, who have been held by the Houthis since November 19, 2023,” the resolution noted.
In addition, the European Parliament called on the EU High Representative and Member States to step up diplomatic efforts in this context and to engage all relevant parties to ensure the safe return of the captured Europeans without further delay.
The document notes that Iran keeps the Yemeni Houthis under direct control and provides them with substantial military support.
International shipping severely affected
The Houthi attacks against international commercial shipping, in particular in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which have been taking place since October 2023, have severely affected commercial traffic in the Red Sea and posed threats to global economic stability.
As reported, in February 2024, the EU launched the ASPIDES naval mission in the region to maintain shipping safety.
The International Chamber of Shipping has called on the international community to act to secure the immediate release of all 25 crew members of the Galaxy Leader, who have been seized by military force and held hostage by the Houthis.
Read more:
- US transfers seized Iranian arms to Ukraine
- US supplies Ukraine with over million rounds of Iranian ammo confiscated last year
- Russians may have received 203-mm shells from Iran
- The Telegraph: ”Hit back twice as hard,” Ben Wallace calls for firm position on Iran and Russia
- Zelenskyy urges US to strengthen allies in wake of Iran’s attacks on Israel
