During his stay in New York in the context of the Open High -level discussions of the Greek Presidency at the UN Security Council, the Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis He interviewed the Associated Press International Agency and journalist Edith Lederer.
Mr. Gerapetritis speaking to the Associated Press about developments in Middle East And the Israeli-Hamas conflict called for “immediate ceasefire and massive humanitarian aid to Gaza”.
The Foreign Minister stressed that Greece supports the solution of the two states and that it has discussed this issue extensively, as well as the issue of rebuilding its rebuilding. Gauzeboth with Israel and the Palestinians, considering themselves as an “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.
He condemned the slaughter of 1,200 Israelis by Hamas as “completely inhumane” on October 7, 2023 as well as the detention of Israeli hostages by Hamashowever, adding that “it cannot be tolerated what is happening today in the Middle East”, referring to the above 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 Gerapetritis, who will chair on Thursday at a Security Council meeting on “Protection of civilians in armed conflict”, again appealed for “immediate ceasefire And massively providing 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 democracy has “self -correction mechanism“And that the era requires” powerful leaderships in large countries and international organizations that will make people believe in the noble affair of coexistence in peace and prosperity again. “
For the decision-making process in the EU, he acknowledged that the principle of unanimity among the 27 states “has become an obstacle”, while defending the right to veto as an expression of national interests.
He stressed that Europe is experiencing ‘Political identity crisis“And he noted that” it seems that in some cases we forget what the essential elements that have united us as Europeans.
“As a result, we are suffering from some deviations and conflicts. And now we suffer from post -traumatic syndrome after war in Ukraine. I think, then, that Europe has to find its durability and its identity again, “he said.
It reaffirmed Greece’s support in Ukraine and stressed that our country is “in favor of the rule of law, its sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
Pointed out that West sanctions toward Russia It was “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 them Greek -American relations The Foreign Minister stressed that they are being developed, bringing as examples of investment to Greece “from Amazon, Google, Pfizer and other companies, including the energy sector”.
About its duties Trump governmenthe said that 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 them duties Good news, we believe that a modus vivendi should be found, “he noted.
Today, Mr. Gerapetritis will chair and will make a national intervention at the Syrian Security Council meeting. On Thursday, May 22, the Foreign Minister will chair and make a national intervention in the open discussion of the Security Council, with the aim of protecting civilians in armed conflict.