Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, speaking to ERT, emphasized the “unique distinction” of Greece’s participation in the UN Security Council, noting that this development “significantly strengthens the country’s international footprint and foundations.” As he mentioned, on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, a series of bilateral meetings took place with Foreign Ministers from different regions of the world. Regarding Palestinian recognition, he stressed that “Greece believes this is the solution: the establishment of a Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders. The issue is timing. We believe that recognition of the Palestinian State should come at the end of the political process and under UN auspices.”
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Meanwhile, he emphasized that Greece chairs the Conference on Ancient Civilizations, an initiative that “brings together countries with common interests and deep cultural heritage.”
Full statement by Giorgos Gerapetritis:
“The 80th United Nations General Assembly began today with the distinction that Greece is at the heart of the Organization, in the Security Council.
We had the opportunity for a series of bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Greece, as a Member of the Security Council, gains a very large diplomatic footprint, develops its foundations worldwide and its regional alliances.
We have the opportunity to chair the ministerial-level Conference on Ancient Civilizations, which is an initiative that brings together countries with common interests, with great cultural depth and of course with a focus on the goods of antiquity and the modern world.
Finally, we participated in the two-state solution conference convened by the French President and Saudi Arabia. This is a conference that dealt with the Palestinian issue. Greece has an expressed position on this matter. Its permanent position is that it is a pioneering and accelerating country in terms of humanitarian aid. It has already provided significant humanitarian assistance, has cared for children from Gaza, and supports the Palestinian Authority.
Regarding Palestinian recognition, Greece believes this is the solution: the establishment of a Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders. The issue is timing. We believe that recognition of the Palestinian State should come at the end of the political process and under UN auspices.”
