I welcome today here in Athens the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad al-Maliki.
Our meeting today takes place in the midst of a crisis in the Middle East, which has long transcended the regional level and has, unfortunately, taken on global dimensions.
Greece is deeply concerned about the escalation of tensions in Gaza and its potential spillover to the West Bank, southern Lebanon, Syria, and the Red Sea. Of course, we are also worried about the possible expansion of attacks to the area of Rafah.
From the very beginning, we have maintained a consistent stance that is expressed with integrity and prudence.
We call for an immediate and lasting cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and the restoration of vital infrastructure in Gaza.
We condemn all forms of terrorist acts. And we must once again make it clear that Hamas can neither be confused nor equated with the Palestinian people.
Scenarios of population displacement and collective responsibility are totally unacceptable. Palestinians should have the ability to remain in their homes.
Regarding the underlying political issue, our country's fundamental position remains unchanged:
We strongly support the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, which will coexist peacefully with Israel within internationally recognized borders, within the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
This political perspective is beneficial not only for the Palestinians of Gaza and the West Bank but also for the entire Arab world, for regional stability, and for Israel itself.
Our overall stance has been and continues to be expressed through our active participation in all international and regional fora, as well as through the dispatch of humanitarian aid to the region. Just yesterday, 20 tons of humanitarian material was sent by the Greek Red Cross to the citizens of Gaza. We will continue this humanitarian offer. We will also expedite, in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority, the idea of establishing hospitals on the ground, so as to manage the tens of thousands of wounded in the region of Gaza.
My visit to Ramallah last November, as well as our meeting today here in Athens, are clear indications of Greece's support for the Palestinian Authority as the representative of the Palestinian people and an interlocutor of the international community that plays a crucial role in resolving the Palestinian issue.
Since then, I have travelled and conversed with my counterparts from all the critical actors in the region, including Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
I just returned from New York yesterday, where I had productive discussions with the United Nations Secretary-General, as well as with the U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. Blinken in Washington. We share with both of them our deep concern for the situation in the Middle East.
It is clear that the international community should respond immediately and collectively. A ceasefire and peace in the region should be placed under the auspices of the United Nations. Diplomacy must prevail.
Our country will continue to actively support any initiative that promotes a just and viable solution to the Middle East issue as well as regional and global peace.
Dear Minister, dear friend Riyad, it is with great honor and pleasure that I welcome you to Athens.
February 15, 2024