NEW YORK (ANA-MPA/ G. Garantzioti)
Addressing the UN Security Council on Saturday, Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Aglaia Balta, expressed “Greece’s deep concern following today’s escalation,” stressing that “our objective must be a return to substantive negotiations toward a peaceful settlement in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations”.
Emphasizing the need for immediate de-escalation, Greece pointed out that “restraint is imperative,” warning that “the risk of a broader regional confrontation, with potentially serious consequences for international peace and security, is real”.
Balta warned that “in the absence of a swift diplomatic solution, we may find ourselves facing the consequences of a prolonged crisis,” calling on all parties “to exercise restraint, prevent further escalation of violence, and work urgently toward the resumption of credible channels of dialogue”.
Greece “strongly condemns the Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates”, she added.
Regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Greece reiterated that “Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon,” warning that “the accumulation of significant quantities of uranium enriched up to 60% by a non-nuclear-weapon state raises serious proliferation concerns and has no credible civilian justification”.
She underlined that “full cooperation with the IAEA and strict adherence to international obligations are essential,” adding that “robust, permanent, and verifiable oversight of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs is a prerequisite for regional stability”.
Greece stressed that “diplomacy, grounded in verification and transparency, remains the only viable way forward.”
With regard to maritime security, Greece underscored that “security in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Red Sea must be fully respected by all parties – now more than ever,” noting “stability is of paramount importance”.
Greece calls on Iran and its allies “to refrain from any reprisals that could jeopardize freedom of navigation, threaten commercial shipping, or further destabilize global energy and trade flows, constituting a blatant violation of the International Law of the Sea, as reflected in UNCLOS,” the ambassador said.
Balta emphasized that “the protection of civilians and respect for international law must remain absolute priorities,” noting that “civilians must not bear the cost of military escalation,” and warning that “the humanitarian consequences of further confrontation could be severe”.
She concluded by stating that “the stakes for regional and global peace are extremely high,” and urged Iran “to engage immediately in substantive and good-faith negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting, negotiated solution,” stressing that “failure is not an option”.
