The need for diplomacy to be effective for de-escalation in the Middle Eastunderlined new ambassador of Germany in Greece, Andreas Kindle, speaking at the Athens Security Forum organized by the Institute of International Relations of Pantheon University. Also, the German ambassador emphasized humanitarian aid and the restoration of good governance.

Knowing the region, as before assuming his post in Greece in September, he was the German ambassador to Lebanon, Andreas Kindle pointed out that the right of self-defense is legal and added that the attack was launched by a terrorist organization against Israel.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the goal remains the creation of two states in the region, however he estimated that it is becoming more and more difficult. He added that the solution should be the result of negotiation between the two parties. “What we need now is a satisfactory interim solution, without Hamas. We will not be able to tolerate that Hamas will continue to have a base in the Gaza Strip,” he explained.

Afterwards, he focused on the role of the EU and the need for institutional reforms in its foreign policy, expressing the assessment that a European army will not be created soon. However, he pointed out that in 2025 the EU will have the possibility of rapid development and will enable it to be a stronger player in security matters.

Regarding enlargement, he said that the EU should help the accession countries so that they are ready before their accession. He suggested that Europe should emerge stronger and richer from enlargement.

At the same time, he referred to Turkey’s role in immigration, while noting that during the 10 weeks he has been the ambassador of Germany to Greece, he has seen positive actions from both countries on this issue.

At the same time, regarding the upcoming visit of the Turkish President to Athens for the Supreme Council of Cooperation between Greece and Turkey, he said that it will be a process that will not end on December 7. He estimated that the bigger issues would not be raised, discussed in the background and prepared for a later time in the future. In fact, he expressed the feeling that we are on a positive path and this is important for Greece and the EU. If you look at the numbers of immigrant arrivals from abroad, they are huge, he pointed out.

Finally, when asked about the Beleri issue, the German ambassador said that Germany takes very seriously the Greek position which emphasizes the need to respect the rights of minorities in all candidate countries for membership. He added that during the discussion last month in Brussels, he helped to better understand the issue, referred to the letter the EU sent to Albania, and said he was happy that these changes satisfied Greece. “We are looking forward to further positive developments in this case as well” he concluded.