In his intervention at the Security Council in the discussion on Syriathe Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis who had the duties of president, referred to the historical change made in Syria with the fall of the previous regime.
As he pointed out, it is a “seismic” transformation that rekindled hope for the Syrian people, adding that “we must keep this flame of hope alive, despite the challenges that can erase it.”
Mr Gerapetritis emphasized that Syria is currently facing a historic opportunity to make progress and play a role in stability in the region. In this context, he referred to the traditional Greek-Syria friendship, as well as his visit to Damascus in February, followed by participation in international conferences in Paris and Brussels. He expressed Greece’s willingness to further contribute to the rebuilding of Syria and maintaining its “rich nationality”.
Mr Gerapetritis developed three main axes of intervention:
Political transition without exclusion. His first note was the need for Syria to move on to a political transition “completely without exclusion”, according to the principles of the Security Council’s resolution 2254. Syrian society, he underlined, is “a mosaic of different elements, capable of thriving with peace and harmony.” Hence the transitional government must ensure the political integration of all: Christians, Alawites, Drunges, Kurds, with the participation of all Syrians, “including women”.
The Foreign Minister recognized positive indications, as recorded in the briefing of his special envoy. Secretary, Guard Pedersenbut he insisted that “there is a significant room for improvement”. He emphasized the need for “the Constitution that will follow the constitutional proclamation to reflect the voices of a multicatural and multi -religious society”.
He made a special reference to the value of the agreement between SDF and Damascus on March 10, which “binds the parties to a peaceful approach”. The treatment of technical issues, such as the Tishreen Dam, was considered a positive development for regional stability.
However, he warned of the risk of destabilization by armed groups in the north, calling on the transitional government to ensure that they “do not interfere with the process”. At the same time, he asked the regional actors “to abstain from acts of violence or escalation”.
Mr Gerapetritis also raised a security issue, noting that “the departure of foreign fighters and the integration of all armed groups into national security forces, while excluding terrorist and extremist elements”, is a key prerequisite for political stability.
Accountability and transitional justice. The second central axis of Greece is the need for “accountability and promotion of transitional justice”. Mr Gerapetritis referred to the horrific events of March, where “thousands of innocent citizens, mainly Alawites and Christians” died in western Syria. He pointed out that the Council strongly condemned these events and awaits the publication of the research committee’s findings.
In addition, he expressed concern about the violence that erupted in the south against the Druzian community, stressing that “in order for Syria to turn a page, sectarian violence must be stopped.” He called on the transitional authorities to “maintain order, to control the armed groups, to protect all citizens and to bring the culprits before the righteousness”.
He expressed Greece’s support for “rapid, transparent, reliable and impartial research”, with the participation of the UN related mechanisms. At the same time, he acknowledged the participation of the Syrian Foreign Ministry in the General Assembly and the “Statement of preparedness for cooperation with international accountability mechanisms”, stressing that “people are waiting for words to be accompanied by actions”.
Responsing the economic and humanitarian crisis. As a third point, the Foreign Minister highlighted the “vulnerable and difficult” economic and humanitarian environment facing Syria. He noted that “the country is facing a widespread disaster” and reminded that Greece was among those who committed financially at the 9th Brussels Congress. He said that Greece “remains committed to supporting Syrians as they rebuild their nation”.
Referring to the EU, he noted that there was “immediate suspension of certain restrictive measures” in the context of “gradual, conditional and reversible approach”. He stressed that further liftings will be considered on the basis of the progress in the accountability, the participation of the political process and the respect for international law and the sovereign rights of neighboring states.
He also referred to President Trump’s announcement of the removal of US sanctions, noting that this is “an important opportunity for Syria”, since it works closely with its neighbors for regional stability.
He warned, however, of the ongoing danger by radical groups and foreign fighters. “The viability and safety of ISIS fighters and their families in northeast Syria are crucial,” he said.
He also stressed that Syria’s stability would allow its “significant dispersion” to return safely and voluntarily.
In closing, Mr Gerapetritis reaffirmed Greece’s full support “to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria”, calling for universal respect for international law, including sea law.
“Greece wants to see Syria succeed,” he said, and set “an example that a country can return even from the most difficult conditions.” For this to happen, the Syrian leadership must embrace an “authentic Syrian and exclusive political transition, promoting accountability, transitional justice and a sustainable reconciliation”.
He concluded, expressing the full support of Greece at the UN and the special envoy Giar Pedersen “on this course”.
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