Greek Foreign Minister Giorigios Gerapetritis has called for the U.S. and Europe to monitor Syria’s Islamist regime amid increasing violence, advocating for the inclusion of religious minorities in governance. He expressed concerns about Turkey’s maritime claims while emphasizing Greece’s stabilizing role in the region and strengthening ties with India to counter Chinese influence.
The Greek Foreign Minister, Giorigios Gerapetritis, has urged the United States and Europe to closely monitor the Islamist group currently governing Syria, following a weekend of severe violence that left hundreds dead. In an interview with Fox News Digital, he emphasized the need for the international community to ensure that religious minorities, including the sizable population of Orthodox Christians in Syria, are included in governance decisions. Gerapetritis stated that the release of existing sanctions should be gradual and contingent upon significant changes in governance and respect for human rights by the regime.
The ongoing clashes in Syria, particularly between the governing group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and loyalists of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, have led to an escalating death toll. Reports indicate that over 1,000 people have died, including around 700 civilians, marking some of the bloodiest internal conflict since Assad was deposed. The violence intensified after an ambush of government forces, prompting revenge killings that resulted in entire families being decimated, as reported by the United Nations, which has condemned the civilian deaths.
Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, described the situation as anticipated challenges, calling for national unity amid ongoing violence. Meanwhile, both the United States and Russia have called for a private meeting of the U.N. Security Council to address the emerging crisis and instability within the region. Al-Sharaa, previously affiliated with al-Qaeda and working to reshape HTS’s image, has stated the group’s intentions to avoid becoming akin to Afghanistan.
In addition to the concerns regarding Syria, Gerapetritis spoke out against Turkey’s maritime claims known as the Blue Homeland Doctrine, which conflict with international law. He acknowledged recent improvements in Greek-Turkish relations despite the historical tensions and emphasized Greece’s role as a stable ally in the Eastern Mediterranean. Gerapetritis also discussed Greece’s enhancing diplomatic ties with India, positioning the country as a critical link in the planned Middle East-Europe corridor, which serves as a counter to China’s expansive Belt and Road Initiative.
Furthermore, Gerapetritis articulated Greece’s stance on developing alternative trade routes to diminish reliance on Chinese investments, reaffirming the importance of maintaining a diversified approach to economic partnerships and regional influence.
In conclusion, the Greek Foreign Minister has underscored the importance of monitoring Syria’s Islamist regime and ensuring the inclusion of religious minorities in governance as violence escalates. The death toll has soared due to internal conflicts, prompting urgent calls for international intervention. Additionally, Gerapetritis highlighted both regional challenges with Turkey and Greece’s strategic partnerships, particularly with India, aimed at enhancing stability and diversifying economic ties away from China.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
