News - Blinken calls on all parties in Middle East to take de-escalation steps

The US administration believes that all parties in the Middle East should take steps to reduce tension, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated during a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Washington on Monday. The US is engaged in intensive diplomatic cooperation almost around the clock in order to send a clear signal: all sides should avoid escalation of tension. All sides should take steps to reduce tension, he said. Escalation of tension is not in anyone's interest; it will only lead to new conflicts, violence, and lack of security. It is extremely important for the US to break that cycle by achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. This, in turn, will make it possible to establish greater stability not only in Gaza, but also in other regions where the conflict may spread, Blinken added. The US and many other countries in the region and beyond its borders pay special attention to it. Speaking about a possible ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Blinken added that all parties should find ways to reach an agreement. He emphasized that it is important for all parties to make the right choice.