“The rapid developments in Syria and the systematic attacks by jihadist groups against Alawite and Christian civilians are causing deep concern for the country’s prospects, as well as for the general impact that they are expected to have on the wider Middle East region,” Dimitris Mantzos, main opposition PASOK’s parliamentary spokesperson and responsible for the party’s foreign relations, said on Monday.
“The evolving situation is already undermining the institutional reconstruction of Syria and threatens to nullify the prospect of establishing a tolerant and inclusive system of governance, after the installation of the new regime in Damascus,” he noted.
“Greece, as an EU member-state with a key position and long-standing ties with the peoples of the region, as well as a Non-Permanent Member of the Security Council, must highlight the issue in its true dimensions – and not as unilaterally presented by the Syrian government – and take the lead in initiatives to address it at the international level – all the more so for the protection of the Christian elements of the region, with a historical presence of thousands of years,” Mantzos emphasised and concluded:
“The international community, as a whole, must act in a timely manner, to prevent the risk of, on the one hand, an escalation of attacks and, on the other, the involvement of third states. It is noted that the lifting of EU sanctions is absolutely dependent on respect for the rights of all national and religious minorities, including Christians, Alawites and Kurds, as well as the implementation of the rules of international law.”
SOURCE; ANA-MPA
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