The intense concern of Athens and Nicosia for the worsening of the humanitarian situation in the Middle East and the risk of the crisis spreading to the surrounding area was expressed by the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in his joint statements with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis, after the work of the Plenary of the 1st Intergovernmental Summit of Greece – Republic of Cyprus at the Maximos Palace.

Mr. Mitsotakis reiterated that Israel has the right to self-defense, but always in accordance with humanitarian law.

“We separate the terrorist organization Hamas from the Palestinian people, we will not get tired of saying it,” said the prime minister and added that Athens supports the immediate release of the hostages without conditions, but at the same time assists civilians through humanitarian pauses and aid corridors.

Mr. Mitsotakis added that Athens and Nicosia are coordinating related initiatives: “We have geographical proximity and reliable relations with both Israel and the Arab world. We are reliable mediators in the Middle East” he said and added that “we have the will to help in practice as long as we face the many difficulties that exist”.

He emphasized that the final solution can only be a two-state policy, in accordance with International Law and UN resolutions.

“Otherwise, the area will produce blood and pain,” he stressed.

Regarding the Cyprus problem, the prime minister emphasized that the solution is a constant priority for Athens and called for the restart of the negotiations within the framework of the UN.

He characterized the position of two states in Cyprus as completely unacceptable and added that we look forward to the appointment of a special envoy of the UN Secretary General for the resumption of negotiations.

“We will continue to assist in order to intercept the methods that violate the resolutions of the Security Council.”