FM Gerapetritis: Greece is present in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East crisis

Greece is following a steady foreign policy for the Middle East based on principles that are not determined by current events or exchanges, and as a country is at the forefront of developments in the region, Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis said in an interview published on Sunday.

In 'Proto Thema' newspaper, Gerapetritis said Greece follows a fundamental principle of condemning every form of violence or terrorism. In this framework, it condemned Hamas' terrorist attacks and recognized Israel's right to self-defense, within the framework of International Law, he said. "We proposed from the very start a specific plan to defuse the crisis that included both the condemnation of terrorism and, further, the establishment of humanitarian corridors, the provision of humanitarian help to all vulnerable people, the release of all hostages, the non-targeting of civilians, and the carrying out of an international conference for the Middle East issue," the Greek FM said, noting the international conference on the issue that took place in Egypt on Saturday that EU and Arab countries attended, including the Greek prime minister and himself.

Gerapetritis told the newspaper the situation in the Middle East is fragile, and there could be a full-scale worsening in the region from one moment to the next. It is necessary to "be fully prepared to handle any further tension that crops up in the Middle East, he underlined.

He also mentioned that the large-scale projects like the India-Middle East-Europe corridor and the Greece-Cyprus-Israel power grid connection will not stop developing, but constant vigilance was necessary. "Greece is at the forefront of new international trade and energy roads," he asserted.

Greece and Türkiye

In terms of Greek-Turkish dialog, he said it is still early to speak of developments but he expresed optimism. "Our own approach is to touch upon our great differences while being conscious of the historical importance of the moment and in full awareness of their complexity. But it is necessary first to have visible and continuous examples of consistency and sincerity," he added.

Asked if he is concerned about the new anti-West and anti-American sentiments expressed by the Turkish president, Gerapetritis said that an effective diplomacy is prepared for any possible outcome. "We have achieved in the last four years the luxury of not being defined by others as a country, and of being a part of the solutions at international level, not a source of problems," he noted.

He also referred to the continued detention of ethnic Greek mayor-elect of Himare Fredi Beleri, whose applications for release have been consistenty rejected by Albanian courts. "Greece respects the independence of Albanian justice, but banning the elected mayor of Himare from taking the oath of office is an administrative measure, rather than a judicial decision," he underlined, adding that Greece will continue to raise the issue at all international fora and with all governments.

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