“The situation in the broader Middle East is extremely tense and complex, it worries the European Union and causes serious disruptions to the global security architecture,” said Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis upon his arrival at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council.

“I will especially refer to the terrorist attack on the Prophet Elias Church in Damascus, where worshippers lost their lives,” he emphasized, adding: “It is a blind strike that highlights both the tension and the asymmetry in the existing threat.”

In this context, he noted that he has proposed a 5-point plan to the Foreign Affairs Council “so that Europe can be present.”

“This includes, first, a political solution, which will come through self-restraint and de-escalation of tension. Second, the protection of all civilians and safeguarding freedom of navigation. Third, strong involvement of the European Union in the ongoing processes. Moreover, we must not forget Gaza, because all issues are interconnected. We must strengthen our efforts to ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and also further support the Palestinian Authority so it can meet the challenges,” Gerapetritis stated.

“The issues related to the Middle East also concern Syria and Libya, where increased migration flows are observed. It is also the responsibility of the European Union to manage these irregular migration flows by any means necessary. And of course, full respect for International Law, especially the International Law of the Sea,” he concluded.