The Greek Foreign Minister Giorigios Gerapetritis has issued a warning to Europe and the U.S. urging them to closely monitor the ruling Islamist group in Syria, which is attempting to gain acceptance from the West. He emphasized the need for religious minorities, including Orthodox Christians, to be included in governance in Syria or else the sanctions should remain in place. Gerapetritis stressed that any lifting of sanctions should be done gradually and should be reversible.
The violence in Syria over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, has raised concerns about the new regime under HTS clashing with supporters of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad. The clashes began after government forces in the Latakia province were ambushed by Assad loyalists, leading to revenge killings and a high death toll. The United Nations has called for an immediate halt to the killing of civilians in the country and for national unity to be preserved. Russia and the U.S. have requested a private meeting of the U.N. Security Council to discuss the situation in Syria.
Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, previously an al Qaeda offshoot but now operating independently, has been trying to shed its extremist reputation and terrorist designation. The group’s leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has expressed a desire for national unity in Syria and emphasized the importance of education for women. The lifting of a $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa’s head by the Biden administration indicates a potential shift in the approach to dealing with the group.
Gerapetritis also expressed concern about Turkey’s Blue Homeland Doctrine and its incursions into Greek waters. He emphasized Greece’s adherence to international law, particularly maritime laws, and highlighted the need for limitations on maritime zones. Despite tensions between Greece and Turkey, the foreign minister noted that relations have improved in recent years with a decrease in Turkish incursions into Greek airspace and increased cooperation on issues like illegal immigration.
Greece’s growing relationship with India is seen as an opportunity to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to increase Chinese access and influence through development and trade projects. Gerapetritis views Greece as a gateway for India’s planned Middle East-Europe corridor, emphasizing the need to develop alternative cooperation and trade routes to reduce dependence on China. The foreign minister highlighted Greece’s alignment with the United States on foreign and security policy and emphasized Greece’s stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Overall, the situation in Syria, tensions with Turkey, and the evolving relationship with India and China are key priorities for Greece’s foreign policy. Gerapetritis stressed the importance of international law, human rights, and inclusivity in governance in Syria and the need for stability and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Amid escalating conflicts and power struggles, Greece aims to navigate its relationships with neighboring countries and global powers to safeguard its interests and promote peace and security in the region.
