For cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OS) was convened to inform the Security Council.

Greece reaffirmed its support for the enhanced cooperation between the UN and the regional and sub-regional organizations, according to the UN Charter VIII and expressed its support for the UN’s constructive commitment to fulfill the principles and purposes of the UN.

The Assoc. Permanent Representative Mr. Ioannis Stamatekos underlined Greece’s serious concern and its opposition to the content of certain resolutions issued by OIS, as well as in details of his statements, which are contrary to international law, the UN Charter and his Security Council resolutions.

“The most recent joint declaration of the OIAS ministerial session refers to a supposedly” Turkish Muslim minority in Western Thrace “, as well as a” Turkish Muslim community in the Dodecanese “. Such reports are incorrect, as the International Treaty of Lausanne explicitly defines the Muslim minority. Stamatkos.

Similarly, Mr Stamatekos said “the small number of Greek citizens of Muslim religion inhabited in Rhodes and Kos enjoys the same rights as any other Greek citizen, with their religious rights and freedoms being fully protected”.

Greece emphasizes that OIAS resolutions must be fully aligned with international law, UN Charter and Security Council resolutions, in particular issues such as the Cyprus issue and non -intervention in the internal affairs of the dominant states, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 7.

Concerning the Cyprus issue, Mr Stamatekos emphasized the need for strict compliance with the Security Council resolutions 541 and 550.

“Unfortunately, since 2004, the OIP has attributed an observer to the secessionist entity on the island, despite the fact that the Security Council, with its resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984), clearly condemned the unilateral proclamation of independence and demanded the withdrawal. He added that the resolutions 541 and 550 “at the same time called on all states to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and not recognize the illegal entity or to support it in any way.”

Greece also expressed its regret that previous attempts to raise these issues of the secretariat of OS did not work.

“The adoption of positions that are grossly violated by International Law, slightly contributes to the promotion of cooperation with the UN or the work of the Security Council. Greece, as an elected member of the Council, will never hesitate to raise these issues with the OIP and its Member States, faithful to the importance of the honest cooperation.”