We attend the Foreign Affairs Council today in the midst of multiple crises afflicting the world.
Regarding Ukraine, Greece and the European Union support a just and sustainable solution to the war, which will safeguard Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. A solution which will include Ukraine itself in the negotiations and which will ensure peace and prosperity in the wider region.
On the Middle East, we strongly support the continuation of the ceasefire, both in Lebanon and in Gaza. It is important to conduct the negotiations that will lead to the second phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. And, of course, we are extremely concerned about the deteriorating situation in the West Bank. We must intensify our efforts so that this brutal war ends and the Palestinian people are provided with a vision for a solution by establishing a Palestinian state, also through the bolstering the Palestinian Authority.
On the issue of Syria in particular, I would like to point out that we condemn in the strongest terms the recent violent massacres of civilians, especially those belonging to religious minorities. The narrative of the new transitional government must not remain at the level of rhetoric, but must also be put into action. This should be based on the inclusion of everyone, especially religious and ethnic communities, on the respect for international law and, of course, on the establishment of institutions that will be sustainable and strong and whose ownership will belong to the Syrian people themselves, without any external influence. We therefore insist that any easing of sanctions against Syria must be gradual, conditional and in any case reversible.
We will discuss Euro-Atlantic relations. Greece's position is that the ties between Europe and the United States should remain strong. History has proven that the results produced from this collaboration are extremely important for the international security architecture. The message should be that together we multiply our power.
Europe should remain strong, be reinforced, be revitalized and face the next day with vigour and strength.
This evening, we will launch the informal discussions on the Cyprus issue in Geneva, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. Cyprus can no longer be divided. Division can never be the solution. Only synthesis is the solution, for a united Europe, for a peaceful world. The European Union, as already agreed, should be actively involved in the resolution of the Cyprus issue, within the framework of the UN Security Council Resolutions.
March 17, 2025