“After decades of war and volatility, the Middle East is actually at a turning point today,” Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said, starting his speech at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

Mr Gerapetritis said that the ceasefire agreements in Lebanon and Gaza, which show that “peace can actually be possible” are an important development.

The recent ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, he said, set an example of “what can be achieved through political will.”

Mr Gerapetritis praised Egypt, Qatar and the United States for their “persistent mediating efforts” and emphasized the need to complete all phases of the agreement to ensure “the liberation of all hostages and the permanent end of hostilities”.

He emphasized that “the humanitarian situation remains directed, with millions of people needing primary health services, education and housing.” The Council, he said, is called upon to prioritize “the unobstructed and continuous flow of help”. “The reopening of the Rafa border passage and the reactivation of the EU-Bam Rafah mission, which is involved in Greece, are welcome developments,” he said.

Mr Gerapetritis noted that Greece provides active assistance to the people of Gaza, treating injured children in Greek hospitals and supporting Palestinian families through humanitarian aid.

“We also continue to send humanitarian aid to support the Palestinian families and, through the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Monastery of St. Porphyri in Gaza has proven to have proven to be a safe haven for a large number of our fellow humans, both Christians and Muslims, “he said.

The Foreign Minister emphasized the need for post -war planning, governance, security and reconstruction in the region. “Palestinians should have a leading role in this process, as displacement could lead to regional instability,” he said.

The international community should help the Palestinian authority to meet its financial needs and implement reforms to promote “good governance, powerful institutions and disgusting. The ceasefire provides a boost to the creation of a dominant Palestinian state based on the solution of the two states, while ensuring that Israel’s right to exist in peace and security. “

“The ceasefire agreement gives the necessary impetus to revitalize the political process, the creation of a dominant Palestinian state on the basis of a two -state solution, according to the relevant Security Council resolutions, while recognizing Israel’s right to exist with peace and peace. Security, “he noted.

Mr Gerapetritis made a special reference to the approaching Ramadan month, followed by Easter. “We are reminded of the importance of the special regime of the sacred sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Given the ecumenical significance of the sacred sites, I would like to reaffirm Greece’s deep interest in maintaining the status quo, “he said.

Concerning Lebanon, Mr Gerapetritis praised the formation of a new government under President Aun and Prime Minister Salam. The “cessation of hostilities is also an extremely welcome development” he said, adding that “the contribution of the US and France is recognized. Ensuring “long -term security of both Israeli and Lebanese citizens is vital to sustainable peace,” he said.

Greece, Mr Gerapetritis said, will remain active in discussions about the renewal of Unifil’s mandate in 2025 and continues to participate in the UN mission.

For Syria, the Foreign Minister said that “security and prosperity are vital to the stability of the region”. A political transition under the Syrian leadership, according to UN resolution 2254, said, should “pave the way for constitutional reform and fair elections”, securing a representative government without foreign intervention. Returning to regularity, he noted, demands “gradual lifting of sanctions, building institutions, reconstruction and return of Syrian immigrants”.

“We support a policy, under Syrian leadership and with Syrian ownership, a transition to the spirit of UN Security Council decision 2254. As the international community is rushing to meet the needs of Syria after 14 years of civil war, Syria must demonstrate its good will and fully respect the sovereignty of its neighbors, the rights of its neighbors in accordance with international law, and in particular the International Law of the Sea, ”said Mr. Gerapetritis.

In terms of sea security, Mr Gerapetritis pointed out the “extreme pressure” in the Red Sea due to the attacks of Houthi. Greece, said as a leading force in the EU Aspides Naval Company, is committed to “safeguarding the safety and freedom of navigation, as well as the protection of seafarers”.