Gerapetritis: Europe must remain strong and be empowered

"We are coming to the Foreign Affairs Council today amidst multiple crises that are plaguing the world," Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis stressed upon his arrival at the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union.

The Foreign Minister noted that with regard to Ukraine, Greece, together with the European Union, "supports a just and sustainable solution to the war in Ukraine, which will ensure Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. A solution that will include Ukraine itself in the negotiations and which will ensure peace and prosperity in the wider region."

Referring to the Middle East, he expressed his warm support for the continuation of the ceasefire, both in Lebanon and in Gaza, and stressed that it is important to have those negotiations that will lead to the second phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza region.

"And of course, we are extremely concerned about the deterioration of the situation in the West Bank. We must intensify our efforts so that this bloody war ends and the Palestinian people are given a vision for the solution of establishing a Palestinian state through the strengthening of the Palestinian Authority," Gerapetritis said.

The Greek Foreign Minister also expressed his strongest condemnation of "the recent violent events in Syria, including the massacres of civilians, especially those from religious minorities," and added:

"The narrative of the new transitional government should not remain just rhetoric, but should also be translated into action. Action that will be based on the inclusiveness of all, especially religious and ethnic communities, respect for international law, and of course the establishment of institutions that will be sustainable and strong, and whose ownership will belong to the Syrian people themselves, without any external influence. For this reason, we insist that any easing of sanctions against Syria should be gradual, conditional, and in any case reversible."

Gerapetritis also said that discussions will take place on the issue of Euro-Atlantic relations and stressed that Greece's position is that ties between Europe and the United States should remain strong.

"Europe must remain strong, be empowered, be revitalized and face the next day with vigor and strength," noted Gerapetritis, while also referring to the Cyprus issue, saying that informal talks for its resolution begin today.

"Tonight we will launch informal discussions on the Cyprus issue in Geneva, under the auspices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations," he said and clarified the Greek position: "Cyprus can no longer be divided. Division can never be the solution."