Germany expects UK to remain committed to E3 format under new PM

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on July 20 that he expected the United Kingdom to remain fully committed to the E3 diplomatic format with Germany and France under newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Speaking during a visit to Mauritania’s capital, Nouakchott, Wadephul said he had been assured before Burnham took office that the new British government was strongly interested in maintaining the trilateral format, dpa reports.

He also congratulated Ed Miliband on becoming Britain’s foreign minister and said the E3 could play an important role if diplomatic efforts over Iran resumed.

"Given that the situation surrounding Iran has effectively reached a dead end and negotiations will be necessary, it is good to know that France, Britain and Germany stand ready to play a role," Wadephul said.

He described the E3 as "an important practical instrument" to ensure Europe remained "capable of dialogue and action."

Wadephul said there were currently no practical negotiations taking place on either Ukraine or Iran, adding that diplomacy was needed to end both conflicts.

He said the German government attached great importance to continuity within the E3 format.

By Sabina Mammadli