G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting: France Warns of Instability in the Caribbean

The G7 foreign ministers meeting was held in Canada, and France expressed "concern" on Tuesday over military operations in the Caribbean. France has several overseas territories in the region. In addition to the issue of drug trafficking, this meeting will also discuss the war situations in Ukraine and Sudan.

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries - Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, and the United States - arrived at Niagara, located on the US-Canada border, in the evening on Tuesday.

Although they hoped to reach a unified position on defending Ukraine amid diplomatic efforts stalling, anti-drug operations and the war in Sudan were also on the agenda.

France's Concerns Escalate

French Foreign Minister Le Drian arrived in Canada for the G7 foreign ministers' meeting and stated, "We are concerned about the military operations in the Caribbean because these actions violate international law."

He explained that Paris "clearly wants to avoid any escalation," and pointed out that "all G7 member states are affected by drug trafficking and organized crime," so "we need to work together."

France has two overseas departments, Guadeloupe and Martinique, among seven territories with sovereignty in the Caribbean Sea.

The Largest Aircraft Carrier Arrives

Tuesday, the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, arrived in the region to strengthen Washington's stated anti-drug operations. This carrier is the most advanced in the US Navy, equipped with four fighter squadrons and escorted by three missile destroyers.

Since August, Washington has maintained a strong military presence in the Caribbean, including six warships, officially stated to be to combat drug trafficking into the United States.

In recent weeks, the US conducted a series of strikes on some ships in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific, accusing them of transporting drugs, but provided no evidence, resulting in 76 deaths.

Russia, as an ally of Venezuela, condemned the US air strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels.

Venezuela's 200,000-Soldier Exercises

Meanwhile, Venezuela is conducting military defense exercises. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez stated in a statement, "land, air, sea, rivers, missiles, weapons systems, military units, Bolivarian militias." He said about 200,000 soldiers participated in the exercises.

Venezuelan President Maduro issued a law creating a "comprehensive defense突击队" and assured on Monday that the organization has the "power and authority" to counter the US.

Maduro accused Washington of using drug trafficking as an excuse to "force a regime change in Caracas" and seize its oil resources.

Sources: rfi

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848611653245963/

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