During his stay in New York in the context of open High -level discussions of the Greek Presidency at the UN Security Council, Foreign Minister George Caracetite interviewed at the Associated Press International Agency and journalist Edith Lederer.
Mr. Gerapetritis speaking at the Associated Press For developments in the Middle East and Israel-Hamas conflict He appealed for “immediate ceasefire and massively providing humanitarian aid to Gaza”.
Foreign Minister stressed that Greece supports the solution of the two states And that he has discussed this issue extensively, as well as the issue of rebuilding Gaza, both with Israel and with the Palestinians, considering himself a “honest mediator”.
“We would like to have an active involvement, but to be honest, the question is not who mediates. The point is to stop this nightmare, ”he said.
Condemned as ‘absolutely inhumane’ the massacre of 1,200 Israeli from Hamas on October 7th 2023 Like the detention of Israeli hostages by Hamas, but adding that “it cannot be tolerated what is happening in the Middle East today”, Referring to over 53,000 dead Palestinians which are mainly women and children according to data from local authorities who do not distinguish between fighters and civilians.
Mr. Caracetitewhich will be chaired on Thursday at a Security Council meeting for “protecting civilians in armed conflict”, again appealed for “immediate ceasefire and massive humanitarian aid to Gaza”.
Referring to worldwide volatility, he stressed that the increase in inequalities threatens democracy and the rule of law. “We are at a time when populism and demagogy dominate,” he said.
He linked this volatility to the progress of technology and enhanced mobility, stressing that “modern challenges, from pandemics to climate change, affect us all.” At the same time, he pointed out “the crisis of global cooperation and confidence in international organizations”.
However, he noted that the Republic has a “self -correction mechanism” and that The season requires’ strong leaderships in large countries and international organizations, that will make people believe again in the noble affair of coexistence in peace and prosperity. “
For the decision -making process in the EU, admitted that the principle of unanimity between the 27 Member States “It has become an obstacle”, while at the same time defending the right to veto as an expression of national interests.
He stressed that Europe is experiencing a “political identity crisis” and noted that ‘it seems that in some cases we forget what the nouns are who joined us as Europeans.
‘This results in to suffer from some deviations and conflicts. And now we are suffering from post -traumatic syndrome after the war in Ukraine. I think, then, that Europe has to find its durability and its identity again, “he said.
Reaffirmed Greece’s support in Ukraine and He stressed that our country is’ in favor of the rule of law, of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. “
He pointed out that Western sanctions on Russia were “only partly successful” because Moscow “found ways to bypass their impact”. The financial sanctions “were not turned into a turning point for peace,” he said.
For Greek -American relations, the Foreign Minister stressed that they are developing, bringing as examples of investment to Greece ‘by Amazon, Google, Pfizer and other companies, including the energy sector. “
About the Trump Government’s duties, He said they do not particularly affect Greece, as “it is not over-exposed to this type of bilateral trade” and added that Greece “supports free trade”.
“While we do not consider the duties good news, we believe that a modus vivendi should be found,” he noted.
Today Mr. Caracetite He will chair and make national intervention at the Syrian Security Council meeting.
On Thursday, May 22, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will chair and make national intervention In the open discussion of the Security Council, with the aim of protecting civilians in armed conflict.