By Dora Antoniou

The need for the EU to be actively present in the developments in Syria, both during the current, extremely fluid period, and in the next day, when the reconstruction of the country begins, Athens points out in all tones.

The Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakisunderlined yesterday from the Summit in Brussels that “Greece will have a decisive role in shaping the European approach to the issues concerning Syria.”

In this context, Athens has already moved by coordinating its actions with Cyprus and Austria. The three countries sent a letter to the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council, calling on the E.U. appoint a field envoy to Syria and look after the interests of the Union. “Which has a common sea border, we want to emphasize that, with Syria”, the government spokesman said yesterday, Pavlos Marinakis. This marking is anything but accidental, as it is made at a time when reports and publications from the Turkish side are increasing about Ankara’s move for an agreement to define an EEZ with Syria. Highlighting the common borders of the E.U. with Syria, Athens puts the matter in its European dimension.

Diplomatic sources emphasize that it is still too early to draw any firm conclusions as to how the situation in Syria will develop, as the fluidity is very high. However, in all tones and from every step, the Greek side underlines the need to preserve the territorial integrity of Syria and to protect the religious minorities.

The same sources, regarding the prime minister’s reference to a decisive role in shaping the European approach to the issues concerning Syria, point out that our country at the given moment plays an upgraded role as:

– He is a reliable interlocutor of the Arab world and is on an open line with the countries of the wider region throughout the crisis.
– He is recognized as a helper of Christians in the Middle East, while he is in close contact with the Patriarchate of Antioch.
– Keeps the embassy in Damascus fully operational, at a time when most embassies of major countries have suspended their operations.
– From January 1, he assumes duties as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and will actively participate in the co-shaping of decisions concerning the global security architecture.

However, as long as the situation in Syria remains fluid, so does the concern about a new refugee crisis. From the Greek side, it is pointed out that if conditions allow, the E.U. it should also ensure the support of voluntary refugee returns.

The developments in Middle EastEurope’s security and defense as well as migration will be at the center of the informal North-South summit, which is being organized by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo with a small circle of participants. The Prime Minister is due to fly to Lapland from Brussels for this meeting, to which his Italian counterparts have also been invited, Georgia Meloniand Sweden Ulf Christersonas well as the High Representative of the E.U. for Foreign Policy, Kaya Kalas.