Greek Foreign Minister Highlights Urgent Need for Vigilance in Syria and Regional Security
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis urges the U.S. and Europe to monitor Syria’s Islamist regime closely following recent violence. He stresses the inclusion of minorities in governance and advocates for cautious sanction policies. Gerapetritis also addresses tensions with Turkey and highlights Greece’s collaborations, particularly with India, as a counter to Chinese influence.
In light of the recent violence in Syria, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has emphasized the need for the United States and Europe to closely monitor the Islamist regime. He stated that the international community must ensure religious minorities, particularly Orthodox Christians, are included in governance, otherwise sanctions should remain in place. Gerapetritis posited that the lifting of such sanctions should be gradual and reversible, contingent upon the regime’s adherence to international law.
The violent clashes in Syria have resulted in a death toll exceeding 1,000, including around 700 civilians, as confirmed by various monitoring groups. This conflict, characterized as the deadliest internal strife since the removal of Bashar al-Assad, erupted after assaults on government forces in the Latakia province. The United Nations reported harrowing accounts of entire families being executed, highlighting the urgent need for the violence to cease immediately.
Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, described the ongoing violence as anticipated challenges as he called for national unity among the fragmented groups. The situation has drawn the attention of both Russia and the U.S., prompting discussions within the U.N. Security Council regarding the escalating violence. The governing force, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, is striving to shed its extremist past, emphasizing a commitment to moderation and educational reform.
In addition to concerns regarding Syria, Minister Gerapetritis addressed the escalating tensions between Greece and Turkey over Turkey’s controversial Blue Homeland Doctrine, which lays claim to sections of the eastern Mediterranean. He reiterated Greece’s commitment to international law while recognizing recent improvements in bilateral relations, including collaboration on illegal immigration and reduced territorial incursions.
Moreover, Gerapetritis highlighted Greece’s burgeoning relationships with global partners, particularly India, as the country positions itself as a key conduit in the Middle East-Europe trade corridor. He views this effort as a counter strategy to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, reinforcing Greece’s intention to foster alternative energy and trade routes that promote collaboration with like-minded nations, including the United States.
In summary, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has called for increased scrutiny of Syria’s Islamist regime amidst rising violence against civilians. The inclusion of religious minorities in governance is critical to easing tensions, necessitating a cautious approach to sanctions. Additionally, Gerapetritis has emphasized the importance of Greece’s diplomatic relations, particularly in response to regional challenges posed by Turkey and the need for strategic partnerships to enhance global trade alternatives.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
