Greek Foreign Minister Giorgios Gerapetritis has warned the U.S. and Europe to monitor the Islamist regime in Syria closely following significant violence that has left hundreds dead. He emphasized the need for inclusivity for religious minorities in governance and cautioned that sanctions should remain until progress is evident. The article also discusses Greece’s concerns about Turkey’s maritime claims and its burgeoning relationship with India as a counter to Chinese influence.
Giorgios Gerapetritis, the Foreign Minister of Greece, has issued a warning about the need for the United States and Europe to closely observe the newly established Islamist regime in Syria, particularly following violent clashes that resulted in hundreds of fatalities. He emphasized that the international community should ensure the inclusion of religious minorities in the governance of Syria, proposing that any sanctions remain in place until clear progress is observed.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Gerapetritis stated that the release of sanctions should occur gradually and be subject to reversibility. The recent violence, marked by clashes between the ruling Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and loyalists of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, has resulted in significant civilian casualties, highlighting the fragility of the new regime.
Reports from various monitoring organizations indicate a fluctuating death toll, with estimates suggesting over 1,000 deaths, including hundreds of civilians. The United Nations confirmed that the recent fighting resulted in tragic outcomes, with entire families being killed amid the sectarian violence, underscoring a dire humanitarian situation in northwestern Syria.
Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, referred to the ongoing conflicts as part of the expected challenges faced by the new regime and called for national unity. Meanwhile, international powers, including Russia and the U.S., have convened a private meeting at the U.N. Security Council to address the escalating violence in the region.
During the interview, Gerapetritis also expressed concerns regarding Turkey’s maritime claims, citing implications of the Blue Homeland Doctrine on international law. Despite recent improvements in Greek-Turkish relations, he highlighted the need for a significant resolution regarding maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Furthermore, Gerapetritis elaborated on Greece’s strengthening relationships with India, positioned as a key player in a proposed Middle East-Europe corridor aimed at countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative. He affirmed Greece’s commitment to developing alternative trade routes to reduce dependence on Chinese influence, particularly after the financial assistance Greece received during its debt crisis.
The urgency expressed by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgios Gerapetritis regarding the current situation in Syria underscores the necessity for vigilant international oversight of the Islamist regime. The ongoing violence amidst a backdrop of sectarian strife raises concerns over humanitarian impacts and governance inclusivity for minorities in Syria. Furthermore, Greece is working to foster strategic alliances and reduce reliance on Chinese influence, indicating a broader geopolitical shift in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
