NEW YORK -UN – ANA-MPA/ Georgia Garantzioti
The Greek delegation, speaking at the UN General Assembly during the discussion on the use of the veto in the UN Security Council, on Thursday stated that it aligns with the EU’s position and stressed that “freedom of navigation is a fundamental pillar of international peace, security, and economic prosperity”.
As emphasized by Konstantinos Thanopoulos, political coordinator of Greece’s Permanent Mission, this is “one of the oldest and most widely recognized principles of international law,” enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which establishes “the universal and unified legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be conducted”.
The Greek delegation underlined that Greece, “as a leading maritime nation”, remains “deeply committed to safeguarding maritime security and freedom of navigation in accordance with international law”, explaining that in this context it voted in favor of the draft resolution submitted by Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
This proposal, it noted, “highlights the importance of ensuring the passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law”, describing the passage as “one of the most critical maritime routes in the world and a vital artery for international trade and global economic prosperity”.
Referring to the regional crisis, Greece stressed that the conflict has “direct implications not only for the Gulf region but for all states”, expressing “firm solidarity with its GCC partners” and condemning “illegal and unprovoked missile and drone attacks by Iran against countries in the Gulf region, including civilian infrastructure and critical energy facilities”.
At the same time, it expressed strong concern about “ongoing disruptions to global energy and agricultural supplies through this vital maritime corridor,” warning of “imminent and unprecedented impacts, including shortages of food and medicine, felt across the international community, particularly among the most vulnerable populations”.
The Greek statement also condemned “any unjustified attack against international commercial shipping that endangers the safety of innocent seafarers, in violation of international law,” stressing that “the lives of seafarers and safe commercial navigation must be respected under all circumstances”.
It also expressed regret that “despite intensive consultations and a shared understanding of the importance of maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, the Security Council failed to reach consensus and adopt a resolution”.
In conclusion, Greece welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, called for “an urgent cessation of hostilities in Lebanon as well,” and praised regional partners for their contribution to mediation efforts, emphasizing that “de-escalation of hostilities and the complete cessation of attacks in the region are necessary to create the conditions for diplomatic engagement aimed at a sustainable and lasting peaceful solution”.
