Additional Coverage:
- Religious slaughter in Syria shows need for US, Europe to ‘keep a close eye’ on Islamist regime: Greek FM (foxnews.com)
Greek Foreign Minister Cautions West on Syria’s New Regime
Amidst escalating violence in Syria, Greek Foreign Minister Giorigios Gerapetritis urged the US and Europe to closely monitor the new Islamist government’s actions. In an interview conducted last week, prior to the weekend’s deadly clashes, Gerapetritis stressed the importance of protecting religious minorities under the new regime. He emphasized that the international community must insist on the inclusion of these groups in governance and consider lifting sanctions only gradually, ensuring any such action is reversible.
Over the weekend, clashes between forces loyal to the new regime and those of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad resulted in a significant loss of life. While death tolls vary, reports indicate hundreds of civilians, and potentially over a thousand individuals, were killed.
This marks the deadliest internal conflict since Assad’s removal from power in early December. The violence reportedly began with an ambush by Assad loyalists on government forces in Latakia province, escalating into revenge killings that targeted entire families, primarily belonging to the Alawite sect of Islam.
The UN has called for an immediate end to the violence against civilians.
Gerapetritis underscored the need for the US and Europe to actively encourage the new Syrian regime to adhere to international law. He also expressed concerns about Turkey’s “Blue Homeland Doctrine,” which asserts maritime claims in the eastern Mediterranean, leading to incursions into Greek waters. While acknowledging improved relations with Turkey in recent years, the Foreign Minister stressed the need for resolution on maritime boundaries.
In addition to regional concerns, Gerapetritis highlighted Greece’s strengthening relationship with India, viewing his nation as a key partner in India’s planned Middle East-Europe corridor. He positioned this partnership as a counterbalance to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Following Greece’s financial crisis, during which China provided significant investment, the nation now appears to be shifting away from Chinese influence, seeking alternative trade routes and partnerships.