2023-11-20 18:07:34
Since Monday, there has been a new player in the numerous diplomatic efforts surrounding the war in the Middle East: Japan. The background is the hijacking of a cargo ship by the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The ship, called Galaxy Leader, sails under the Bahamas flag, but was chartered by a Japanese company. Japan’s government condemned Sunday’s kidnapping “strongly” and now wants to mediate. Tokyo is “in contact with Israel,” said Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa on Monday – and spoke of “direct contact with the Houthis.” The aim is the “soon release of the ship and the crew members”.
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