Albares reaffirms diplomatic and consular protection for the Global Flotilla Sumud and rejects Israel's threats

Albares recalls the peaceful and humanitarian nature of this civil society initiative and assures that "we will react to any act that violates their freedom of movement, their freedom of expression and international law".

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs led a statement, along with 16 other countries, expressing concern for the safety of the Global Flotilla Sumud, whose objectives of "peace and the provision of humanitarian aid, along with respect for international law, including humanitarian law", are shared by their governments. The communiqué, published on 16 September calls for everyone to "refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the Flotilla, to respect international law and international humanitarian law".

In this communiqué, Spain, Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Slovenia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, South Africa and Thailand recall "that any violation of international law and human rights of the participants in the Flotilla, including attack against vessels in international waters or illegal detention, will lead to accountability".

Diplomatic and consular protection

Since the departure of the Flotilla from Barcelona, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in contact with participants in the initiative, as well as with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of countries whose nationals are also participating, in order to analyse the situation and offer them all the necessary consular and diplomatic protection.

After learning of the drone attack in Tunisian waters, Minister Albares instructed the ambassador in Tunis to contact the Flotilla participants, investigate the events and determine how to assist them. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has repeatedly stated that "Spain will give and is giving all consular protection and diplomatic protection to our nationals who are on this flotilla".

Similarly, Albares demanded an investigation by the Tunisian authorities into the drone attack and stepped up his coordination with the foreign ministers of countries whose nationals are also participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Albares said that the Ministry is "closely monitoring the situation of the Flotilla so that they have all possible consular protection and diplomatic protection".

Non official translation