Singapore welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East, and the commitment under the ceasefire to restoring shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The war, now in its sixth week, has claimed more than 5,000 lives in nearly a dozen countries, including at least 1,600 civilians in Iran, according to a Reuters report based on tallies from government sources and human rights reports.
Pakistani sources have purportedly said mediation efforts to halt the war nearly collapsed as Iran struck a Saudi petrochemical facility on Tuesday, but the country’s military and civilian leadership continued speaking to senior United State and Iranian, Saudi and other officials until Trump announced the breakthrough.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday (April 8) night that they “are encouraged that the parties involved have taken this important step towards de-escalation and commend the efforts of the mediators, in particular Pakistan”.
It also urged the parties involved to adhere to the ceasefire, and halt all attacks on non-belligerent states, while engaging in negotiations “in good faith” for a lasting resolution to be reached.
MFA said Singapore also welcomes the commitment to restore shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
“We call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law, restore safe and unimpeded transit passage in the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with the United Nations Convention (UNCLOS) on the Law of the Sea, and ensure the safety of seafarers and ships,” MFA added.
