G7 concerned by attacks on peacekeepers
The logo of the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' meeting is displayed at Niigata station, ahead of the meeting, in Niigata, Japan, May 10, 2023. REUTERS
G7 defence ministers on Saturday met against the backdrop of multiple ongoing military conflicts, expressing concern over escalation in Lebanon while pledging "unwavering support" for Ukraine.
Italy, holding the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven countries, organised the body's first ministerial meeting dedicated to defence, staged in the southern city of Naples that is home to a NATO base.
At the top of the agenda was Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, now in its third year.
"We underscore our intent to continue to provide assistance to Ukraine, including military assistance in the short and long term," read the G7 defence ministers' final statement that pledged "unwavering support".
But the G7 defence ministers -- from Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Canada and the United States -- also warned of the dangers of further intensification in the Middle East, including in Lebanon where the United Nations has blamed Israel for strikes on UN peacekeepers.