Greek FM Warns of Islamist Regime in Syria Amid Recent Violence

Greek Foreign Minister Giorigios Gerapetritis urged the U.S. and Europe to monitor Syria’s Islamist regime rigorously after recent violence resulted in extensive civilian casualties. He advocated for including religious minorities in governance before lifting sanctions. Concerns also extended to Turkey’s maritime claims, while Gerapetritis emphasized Greece’s growing role as a strategic corridor for India against Chinese influence.

In light of recent violence in Syria’s new regime, Greek Foreign Minister Giorigios Gerapetritis alerted the U.S. and Europe to monitor the situation closely. With the Islamist ruling faction seeking Western acceptance, he emphasized the importance of including religious minorities in governance. Non-compliance with this inclusion should lead to sustained sanctions.

Gerapetritis stated that any relaxation of sanctions must occur gradually and remain reversible. Stressing on the need for adherence to international law, he highlighted the necessity for increased vigilance from Western nations toward Syria. The recent internal clashes between supporters of the new ruling group HTS and loyalists of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad have resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 1,000 individuals, including 700 civilians, had died due to the conflicts. In the latest violence, whole families, particularly from the Alawite sect, faced atrocities, prompting U.N. Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk to demand an immediate cessation of violence against civilians in north-west Syria.

The transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, labeled the violence as “expected challenges” and called for national unity amidst the unrest. Meanwhile, Russia and the U.S. initiated a private U.N. Security Council discussion regarding the implications of this violence.

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, originally an al-Qaeda offshoot, aims to alter its extremist image. Al-Sharaa, the group’s leader, expressed a desire for education and stability in Syria, contrasting with previous extremist associations. In addition, Gerapetritis raised concerns about Turkey’s Blue Homeland Doctrine, which claims maritime rights and has led to Greek territorial incursions.

Despite past tensions, he noted improvements in Greek-Turkish relations, particularly regarding illegal immigration and airspace disputes. However, he asserted the need for a major agreement on maritime delimitation. Gerapetritis also highlighted Greece’s strengthened ties with India, viewing his country as a crucial link for India’s Middle East-Europe corridor, intended to compete with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

He expressed Greece’s commitment to developing alternative trade routes, distancing from Chinese influence following significant investments during Greece’s financial crisis.

The focus remains on maintaining stability and promoting global cooperation aside from China’s control.

Giorigios Gerapetritis emphasized the critical need for U.S. and European oversight of Syria’s governance under its Islamist regime, advocating for the inclusion of religious minorities. The recent violent clashes, resulting in significant civilian casualties, underline the urgency of this call. Additionally, he addressed regional tensions with Turkey and outlined Greece’s strategic partnerships with India to counter Chinese influence in the region. Overall, the article highlights the interconnectedness of regional stability, governance, and international relations.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com