Any plan for peace in the Middle East should include the absolute condemnation of all forms of terrorism, the release of hostages, so that the discussion of the next day is possible, and there is a perspective, which will be sustainableas underlined by the Greek Minister of Foreign AffairsGiorgos Gerapetritis, attending the EU Foreign Affairs Council, in Brussels. “The security architecture of the region should be under the protection of the international community. Further delay at such a critical stage cannot be an option,” he added.

He also emphasized that “Greece supports the opening of more humanitarian corridors”.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his concern about what is happening in Iraq, Lebanon and Syria, while referring to the danger in which the safety of navigation in the Red Sea is.

Specifically, Mr. Gerapetritis stated:

“We are meeting today, under adverse conditions, at an extremely critical phase of the war in the Middle East. The Foreign Affairs Council must immediately manage three critical issues.

The first is humanitarian. There is a very serious humanitarian deterioration. Greece supports the opening of more humanitarian corridors, so that humanitarian aid can enter the affected areas without problems and basic infrastructure can be restored.

Secondly, we should immediately manage the issue of non-proliferation of hostilities. We are extremely concerned about what is happening today in Lebanon, in Syria, in Iraq, of course, in the Red Sea, where the safety of navigation is at serious risk.

And third, should start the discussion for the next day, providing a perspective on both sides and especially the Palestinian side. Today, we will meet with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. I had the opportunity to meet all three, as well as the heads of state and the Secretary General of the Arab League. Their contribution to the de-escalation of the crisis is crucial.

Any peace plan should include, first, the absolute condemnation of all forms of terrorism. It should, secondly, include the release of the hostages, so that the next day’s discussion is possible and of course, thirdly, there should be a perspective, which will be viable. The security architecture of the region should be under the protection of the international community. Further delay at such a critical stage cannot be an option.”