Greek foreign minister warned US, Europe to keep close eye on new Syria regime
Over the weekend, Syria witnessed a tragic loss of life as hundreds were left dead under the new regime. Greek Foreign Minister Giorigios Gerapetritis has issued a stern warning to Europe and the U.S., urging them to closely monitor the ruling Islamist group that is seeking acceptance from the West. Syria is home to a significant population of Orthodox Christians, and Gerapetritis emphasized the importance of ensuring that religious minorities are included in governance. He insisted that sanctions should remain in place unless this condition is met.
In an interview with Fox News Digital conducted before the weekend’s violent events, Gerapetritis stressed the need for all ethnic and religious minorities to have a role in governance and the rule of law. He suggested that any lifting of sanctions should be done gradually and with the ability for them to be reversed if necessary.
The recent clashes in Syria between factions affiliated with the new governing force HTS and those loyal to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad have resulted in a high death toll. Reports from various monitoring groups have estimated the number of casualties, with figures ranging from hundreds to over a thousand. The violence escalated after government forces were ambushed in the Latakia province, leading to retaliatory attacks that claimed the lives of civilians, including women and children.
The United Nations has expressed grave concern over the killing of civilians in Syria and called for an immediate cessation of violence. The transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has called for national unity in the face of these challenges and urged the preservation of domestic peace.
In response to the escalating situation in Syria, Russia and the U.S. have requested a private meeting of the U.N. Security Council to address the violence. The HTS group, which was founded as an offshoot of al Qaeda but later distanced itself from the group, has been attempting to shed its extremist image and gain international acceptance.
Aside from the situation in Syria, Gerapetritis also voiced concerns about Turkey’s Blue Homeland Doctrine, which has led to incursions into Greek waters. He emphasized the need for adherence to international law, particularly regarding maritime zones. Despite tensions between Greece and Turkey, Gerapetritis noted that relations had improved in recent years, with the two countries cooperating on various issues.
In addition to regional concerns, Gerapetritis highlighted Greece’s growing relationship with India and its potential role as a gateway for India’s Middle East-Europe corridor. He positioned this partnership as a counterbalance to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing the need for alternative cooperation and trade routes.
As Greece navigates its foreign relations and seeks to establish itself as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, Gerapetritis underscored the country’s commitment to diversifying its partnerships and ensuring its strategic interests align with those of its allies. The evolving geopolitical landscape in the region underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement and proactive measures to address complex challenges.
