NEW YORK (ANA-MPA/G. Garantzioti) –
Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis, in his speech to the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, stressed that after decades of war and instability, the area is at a turning point.
Gerapetritis said that the ceasefire agreements in Lebanon and Gaza show that peace may indeed be possible and stressed that this is a significant development.
He underlined that the recent ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza are an example of what can be achieved through political will.
Gerapetris commended Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their persistent mediation efforts. He also stressed that Greece is actively providing assistance to the people of Gaza, treating injured children in Greek hospitals, and supporting Palestinian families through humanitarian aid.
He said that Greece continues to send humanitarian aid to support Palestinian families and, through the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Monastery of St. Porphyrios in Gaza has proven to be a safe haven for a large number of Christians and Muslims.
Gerapetritis noted that the international community should assist the Palestinian Authority in meeting its financial needs and implementing reforms to promote good governance and strong institutions and noted that the displacement of Palestinians would lead to regional instability. The foreign minister also stressed that the ceasefire provides momentum for the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the two-state solution while ensuring Israel’s right to exist in peace and security.
On Lebanon, Gerapetritis praised the formation of a new government and added that Greece will remain active in discussions for the renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate in 2025 and continues to participate in the UN Mission.
On Syria, he said that security and prosperity are vital for the stability of the region. Regarding maritime security, Gerapetris pointed to the extreme pressure in the Red Sea due to Houthi attacks. Greece, he said, as the leading power in the EU’s ASPIDES naval operation, is committed to safeguarding safety and freedom of navigation, as well as the protection of seafarers.
