As ‘Particularly critical’ Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis described the situation in Syria, expressing strong concern about escalating violence in the suede and the humanitarian burden it entails. Speaking to the Security Council, he expressed Greece’s disgust of reports of the humiliating treatment of civilians, amputations, and incitement to interfaith violence, as noted by the Special Envoy of the Secretary -General, Geir Pedersen.

He strongly condemned the attacks on civilians and places of worship in the superstar, making special reference to the recent attack on the Catholic Church of St. Michael and the bombing against the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus. He stressed that these incidents underline the challenges facing the Christian communities in Syria and the need for complete protection of all religious and ethnic groups.

Mr Gerapetritis appealed to de -escalation and facilitating humanitarian access, while calling on the transitional authorities to honestly contribute and secure accountability for crimes.

Referred to the recent ceasefire announcement in the suede and stressed the need for ‘Transparent, rapid and in accordance with international standards’ investigating violations in order to “All Syrians feel safe in their country.”

Mr Gerapetritis reiterated Greece’s firm position in favor of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect for the 1974 forces withdrawal and support in the work of Undof. He stressed that the security and coexistence of all communities is an integral part of these principles.

Referring to the previous meeting of SA, he stressed that Greece had invited the House in closed information on the suicide terrorist attack on the Temple of Prophet Elias. “The Syrian people with its rich history and diversity will always be stronger than terrorism”he stressed.

In closing, he underlined the need for a gradual and systematic political transition on the basis of the Security Council resolution 2254. He pointed out that national reconciliation, the fight against violence between religious groups and the removal of foreign terrorists constitute the foundations for a united and prosperous Syria.

“Greece will continue to support the Syrian people and the UN in trying for peace, stability and prosperity”he stressed.

The full statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the UN Security Council:

Today’s meeting takes place at yet another crucial moment for Syria. We are sharing the deep concern expressed by the Secretary -General about the ongoing escalation of violence in the suede – an area in southern Syria with most of the residents – which, according to reports, has led to severe losses, including civilians.

We express our particular disgust for reports on the humiliating treatment of civilians, the amputation of corpses, the incitement of violence between religious groups, according to the statement by the special envoy Pedersen.

We strongly condemn all the attacks on civilians and places of worship in the superstar, including arbitrary murders and actions that incite violence between religious groups. I would also like to refer to yesterday’s attack on the Catholic Church of St. Michael in Sawara, another incident after the terrorist bombing on the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias, which this council strongly condemned. This further highlights the challenges for the Christian community in Syria and the need to fully protect all ethnic and religious components in a united Syria. In this context, special attention should be paid to rhetoric of hatred and incitement to acts of violence against the aforementioned parts of Syrian society.

We stand in solidarity with Syria and all the victims of this violence and express our condolences to their families.

We appeal for de -escalation and for emergency measures to restore calm and facilitate humanitarian access. Greece calls on the Syrian transitional authorities to contribute honestly and effectively to immediate decline, to ensure accountability for the crimes committed and to establish a safe environment for all Syrians.

We took into account the announcement of the Syrian transitional authorities to achieve a ceasefire in the sue, as well as to condemn the violations and the commitment to be held accountable for those responsible, after thorough investigation. We expect this process to be transparent, rapid and in accordance with international standards, as this is necessary in order for all Syrians to feel safe in their country.

Mr President,

We reiterate, as we have done publicly, our full support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as in respect of the 1974 forces’ release agreement and for the work of UNDOF and its staff. Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are interrelated with the fundamental right of all Syrians – regardless of religious or ethnic background – to live peacefully and without fear.

Mr President,

As I mentioned earlier, less than a month ago, we convened a closed meeting of this Council on the heinous suicide bomb attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus. A terrorist attack that scattered death and anxiety among peaceful citizens in their sacred place of worship. The Syrian people, with its rich and vibrant diversity, history and heritage, will always be stronger than terrorism in all its forms.

Recent developments confirm the need for continuous alertness on the part of this Council, as we walk towards a gradual, careful and step-by-step approach to this file.

As Syria is at a crossroads, it is imperative to support a reliable, Syrian leadership and ownership, constituted and inclusive political transition according to the basic principles of the Security Council’s resolution 2254/2015.

The severity of recent and current developments shows that national reconciliation, the treatment of violence between religious groups and the threat of foreign terrorists in Syria, as well as the security of all Syrians, are key factors. Greece will continue its efforts to support the Syrian people and the UN in the pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.

Thank you.