Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis today advocated for NATO cohesion during his meeting with Dutch counterpart David van Weel. In his statements, Gerapetritis emphasized “we believe that a larger, strategically autonomous and competitive Europe will function as a multiplier of cohesion both for itself and for each member state. We discussed NATO, the need to maintain Alliance cohesion, the development of the collective security system and deepening cooperation between the alliance and the European Union. The weakening of international multilateralism increases insecurity globally”.
The Greek Foreign Minister also stressed the following: “As a member of the UN Security Council, we believe that the organization is the appropriate international forum for making all necessary decisions aimed at achieving global peace. The rules of international law and the United Nations Charter, particularly respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, are absolutely non-negotiable characteristics of a peaceful international order”.
Gerapetritis: We condemn attacks against commercial vessels
Regarding the attack on two tankers, the Greek Foreign Minister pointed out that “as maritime nations we are committed to the full implementation of international maritime law and ensuring freedom of navigation. In this context, we condemn attacks against commercial vessels that are not subject to sanctions regimes and serve the secure supply chain within the European Union. I have already raised this issue with European authorities and our European partners”
The meeting also discussed the demonstrations in Iran, and more broadly in the Middle East “Fundamental rights including freedom of expression and assembly must be respected by all. Any form of violence, especially when it results in loss of human life, is appalling and absolutely condemnable. We call on Iran’s regime to refrain from imposing and executing penalties against protesters who demonstrate for freedom”.
