Monday March 16, 2026 | NATIONAL NEWS
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends [VICTORIA, BC]
Canada and four European nations have issued a joint statement on what they describe as the escalating conflict between Israel and the terrorist force called Hezbollah.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is presently in London, UK to visit with the UK Prime Minister and the King.
His office issued the five-nations joint statement today.
Joint statement:
Primarily condemning attacks on civilians but also within the context that the United States instigated the initial attack on Iran that led to his over two weeks ago which could lead to a protracted conflict involving many other countries, leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom have issued this statement:
“We are gravely concerned by the escalating violence in Lebanon and call for meaningful engagement by Israeli and Lebanese representatives to negotiate a sustainable political solution. We strongly support initiatives to facilitate talks and urge for immediate de-escalation.
“Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel and the targeting of civilians must cease and they must disarm. We condemn Hezbollah’s decision to join Iran in hostilities, which further jeopardises regional peace and security.
“We condemn attacks directed at civilians, civilian infrastructure, health workers and infrastructure, as well as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. These actions are unacceptable, and we call on all parties to act in accordance with international humanitarian law.
“A significant Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a protracted conflict. It must be averted. The humanitarian situation in Lebanon, including ongoing mass displacement, is already deeply alarming.
“We reiterate our call for the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 by all parties and support the efforts of the Government of Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, prohibit Hezbollah’s military activities, and curb their armed hostilities. We stand in solidarity with the Lebanese government and people, who have been unwillingly drawn into conflict.”
The US mission:
Today US President Donald Trump re-iterated that his administration is dealing with the decades-long export of terrorism from Iran — his stated reason for bombing Iran starting February 28 along with Israeli forces.
NATO nations were not pre-advised of the initial strike or the plan for the military Operation Epic Fury which has been targeted at dismantling any capacity for Iran to develop nuclear weapons.
The broader mission if possible is to lead to regime change in Iran so that the civic population there can function as a democracy.
===== RELATED:
Carney convenes Incident Response Group, discusses Middle East & trade with Trump (March 8, 2026)
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