Greece, in close cooperation with Austria and Cyprus, is reportedly preparing an initiative for Syria in the wake of the dramatic developments in that strife-plagued Mideast country over the past three weeks.

The initiative, according to reports, aims to ensure that the European Union will have a more active role in the post-Assad regime landscape in Syria.

According to a report by “To Vima” on Tuesday, Athens aims to promote an initiative for the peaceful resolution of differences plaguing the country – both on a bilateral basis, as well as from its position as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, as of Jan. 1, 2025.

The primary axes of the initiative include:

  • Top priority for the respect of human rights, the rights of women and all sectarian communities in Syria, including all religious sects and denominations.
  • Respect for the unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country through a smooth, unrestricted political transition, one under Syrian leadership and ‘ownership’, in the spirit of UNSC Resolution 2254, and without foreign interventions.

Along these lines, Athens will back the immediate appointment of a special EU representative for Syria and for the active presence of the Union and EU member-states in Damascus.

Other aspects of the reported initiative call for a continuation of the fight against terrorism, the commencement of the country’s rebuilding once conditions are favorable and protection of the country’s extraordinary cultural legacy.

The initiative will also reportedly offer support for the voluntary repatriation of Syrian war refugees.

On a bilateral basis, Athens wants to re-emphasize that it is a reliable interlocutor with the Arab world, reminding that Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis has regular contacts with counterparts of Arab countries, whereas he recently received in Athens the ambassadors representing 15 Arab countries in Greece. The Greek FM also meets, once every six months, with the secretary general of the League of Arab States, a body which re-admitted Syria last year.

The Greek side also wants to reiterate that it remains a benefactor to the Christian communities in the Middle East and is in close contact with the Damascus-based Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.

H.T.