Any future peace settlement of the Ukrainian issue must be accompanied by credible security guarantees for Ukraine that will prevent the resumption of war in the future, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis during his intervention at the UN General Assembly’s special session.

“Ukraine is not a regional issue. It has a direct impact on global security and peace,” the Greek Foreign Minister also noted.
After praising all efforts to end the war, he stressed that a viable solution must be found through diplomacy, without exclusivity.

In detail, Mr. Gerapetritis said:

“Thank you for inviting me to participate in today’s session of the General Assembly.

“Thank you for inviting me to the meeting and thank you for the invitation to attend the meeting.
Mr. President, Your Excellencies, Colleagues,

Our meeting today takes place on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Greece’s foreign policy has been firmly defined by its commitment to international law, the United Nations Charter, and respect for international treaties that define borders between states.

For this reason, we unequivocally condemn any violation by military means of international peace and security, by any state, against the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of any other state.

On the basis of these principles, Greece’s position on Ukraine has been absolutely clear since 24 February 2022. We have consistently supported all previous calls for an end to the war in Ukraine, have welcomed thousands of refugees from that war-torn country, and have worked together with other countries to promote relevant UN General Assembly Resolutions.

Once again, we call for an end to hostilities and a peaceful resolution.

This war has already caused immense destruction and suffering.

We need peace.

Perhaps peace cannot be achieved immediately, but there is the prospect of achieving it on the horizon.

However, what is required is not only a cessation of hostilities, but above all a comprehensive and lasting solution, through diplomacy, inclusive, based on the UN Charter and international law. We also need an agreement that will guarantee and act as a deterrent in the years to come.

The war must stop. We all agree on this. And we commend all efforts in that direction.

However, the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter must be explicitly expressed.

It is in this context that our vote today was cast.

We must keep these fundamental premises in mind when we are called upon to vote on the relevant draft resolutions later today.

We must learn the right lessons and equip any future peace settlement with credible security guarantees for Ukraine that will prevent a recurrence of war in the future.

Ukraine is not a regional issue. It has a direct impact on global security and peace. It concerns all of us in the General Assembly.

Ukraine, Europe, and indeed the world, need a just, sustainable, and therefore lasting peace for Ukraine.

Let us support this goal after three devastating years of war, in the hope that this could also lead to a model for avoiding similar devastating situations in the future.”