France, Belgium summon Iranian envoys over weekend attack on Israel

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - France and Belgium on Monday summoned Iran's envoys to their respective capitals over Tehran's weekend missile and drone attack on Israel.

Summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Paris, Ambassador Mohammad Amin Nejad was reminded of France's condemnation of the attack, the ministry said in a statement.

"The Islamic Republic (of Iran), by having launched this irresponsible attack, runs the risk of a conflagration in which no one would have any interest. These serious and unprecedented actions, which threaten the security of Israel, that of our partners, and regional stability, must stop immediately," it said.

The statement also stressed that France, along with its partners, is working to de-escalate heightened tensions and urging the parties to exercise restraint.

Belgium also summoned Iran's Ambassador Seyed Mohammad Ali Robatjazi over the attack.

"Belgium strongly condemns Iran's attack on Israel. We call on all parties to exercise the greatest restraint. A regional escalation is to be avoided," Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said in a statement.

In a related development, Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu said she reiterated Romania's commitment to Israel's security and the importance of avoiding further regional escalation in a phone call with her Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz.

Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday in response to the April 1 attack on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, in which at least 13 people were killed, including seven military advisers.