The Minister is clear upon arrival at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council
“We are now coming to the Foreign Affairs Council in the midst of multiple crises, which oppress the world,” the foreign minister said. George Gerapetritis upon his arrival at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council.
The Foreign Minister noted that in terms of Ukraine, Greece, with the European Union, “we support a just and sustainable solution to the war in Ukraine, which will ensure Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its sovereignty. A solution that includes Ukraine itself in the negotiations and which will ensure peace and prosperity in the wider region. “
Referring to the Middle East, he expressed his warm support in the continuation of the truce, both in Lebanon and Gaza, and stressed that it is important to have those negotiations that will lead to the second phase of the truce in the Gaza area.
“And of course, we are extremely anxious about the deterioration of the situation in the West Bank. We need to step up our efforts so that this bloody war can end and to give the Palestinian people vision for the resolution of the establishment of the Palestinian state through the empowerment of the Palestinian Authority, ”said Mr Gerapetritis, according to RES.
The Greek Foreign Minister also pointed out his condemnation in the most intense way of “what has been violent in Syria lately with the slaughter of civilian populations and even from religious minorities” and added::
“The narrative of the new transitional government should not only be left at the level of rhetoric, but it should also be done. Act, which will be based on the inclusion of all, in particular, religious and ethnic communities, on respect for international law and, of course, the installation of institutions, which will be viable and powerful and whose ownership will belong to the Syrian people themselves, without any external influence. For this reason, we insist that any alleviation of sanctions against Syria should have a gradual, sectarian character and in any case reversible. “
Mr Gerapetritis also said that discussions would be held on the issue of Euro -Atlantic relations and stressed that Greece’s position is that the links between Europe and the United States should remain strong.
“As has historically been shown, through this convention the results produced for international security architecture are extremely important. The message should be that together we multiply our power. Europe should remain strong, strengthened, rejuvenated and see the next day with vigor and power, ”Mr Gerapetritis noted, while also referring to the Cyprus issue, saying that atypical talks for its resolution are starting today.
“This evening we will start the informal discussions about the Cyprus issue in Geneva, under the auspices of the Secretary General of the United Nations,” he said and clarified the Greek position: “Cyprus can no longer be divided. Division can never be the solution. The composition is just the solution, for a united Europe, for a peaceful world. The European Union, as already agreed, should be actively present in the resolution of the Cyprus problem in the context of the United Nations Security Council resolutions. “