Today’s meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers is taking place at a critical moment for peace, security and stability throughout the Middle East.
Once again, we express our great concern at the escalation of tensions in Gaza and Israel. It is imperative that there be an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation.
Above all, we must ensure the prospect of a two-state solution. We need to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and create the conditions of trust that today, unfortunately, do not exist.
The European Union has great potential when it speaks with a single voice. And we had the opportunity to underscore this during the discussions we had today.
Greece will continue to take initiatives to shape a dynamic European policy in the region, capitalizing on the relations of trust it has with both Israel and the Palestinians.
At the same time, we must support the efforts of powers like Egypt, who are working to defuse the situation.
The developments in Syria are equally critical. Understanding among the many opposition forces can create the conditions for dialogue; for a political, peaceful solution.
The humanitarian disaster and potential for the crisis’ spreading is a clear and present danger. That is why it needs to be clear to everyone that a military solution is not an option and will lead nowhere.
Greece remains not only a stable, but also a stabilizing factor in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, and all of its initiatives in the framework of the EU are in that direction.
November 19, 2012