The conflict in the Middle East is at a “tipping point” in terms of escalation, according to a top diplomatic source, who singled out as “key” the attitude of Iran and the more moderate Arab states.

The same source also assured the recognition of Greece as a reliable interlocutor from all sides and referred to Greek initiatives within the European Union.

The highest diplomatic sentence also emphasized that Greece maintains its credibility and excellent relations with both Israel and the Arab countries, “with international law as our guide and the application of political principles” and explained that the Greek side recognized the right of Israel in self-defense, but always with respect to humanitarian law and based on the assumption that any process should lead to the recognition of a Palestinian state.

In the context of the EU, Greece took the initiative to set up a special group (task force) consisting of Arab and European foreign ministers with a mediating role. Arab countries with a softer policy, such as Jordan, will have a central position in this group, the source pointed out.

“It is important to have Arab states with mildness, as security in the region is based on this (…) The longer the conflict lasts, the more radicalization will increase,” warned the diplomatic source and at the same time stressed the need to support the Palestinian Authority by providing know-how to deepen democratic institutions so that it gains greater legitimacy and can assume a leadership role, as there is no other alternative in sight.

Referring to Turkey, the top diplomatic source expressed her satisfaction with the upcoming tripartite informal meeting on the Cyprus issue, between the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and the Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres. Regarding Greek-Turkish relations, the same source spoke of “absolute calm” over the Aegean, referring to the issue of violations and violations, but stressed that Athens and Ankara maintain different perceptions on fundamental issues, despite this, the decision has been made to step-by-step discussion, in order to build mutual trust and explore whether the framework exists to discuss demarcations.