FM spokesperson Zochiou: No participation by Greece in operations against Iran
There is no participation by Greece in operations against Iran, foreign ministry spokesperson Lana Zochiou underlined during a briefing of diplomatic correspondents on Tuesday, stressing that “ Greece’s support for Cyprus is ongoing.” Zochiou clarified that “ we do not consider that there is a major security issue; however, we express our solidarity at all times and in whatever way may be necessary.”
"All the measures that have been taken are preventive and based on protocol. Greece is neither participating nor involved in any way in the operation against Iran," she emphasized.
She added that "the presence in Cyprus has a purely defensive character and does not in any way constitute our participation in the war," reiterating that Greece supports full respect for international law.
The spokesperson also announced that a meeting of the National Council on Foreign Policy chaired by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis will be held at 13:00 on Wednesday to discuss developments in the Middle East.
A specific plan for the repatriation of Greek citizens
"Given the current fluid situation, our priority and main concern is the protection of Greek citizens and their safe repatriation," Zochiou told journalists, noting that the foreign ministry has activated the Crisis Management Unit to provide consular assistance to those that need it.
She said the foreign ministry now had a total of 12 emergency phone lines that Greek citizens in the area can call and ask for information and updates, adding that all Greek embassies and consulates in the area are constantly on alert and in communication with Greek citizens. These include the Greek embassies in Tehran (Iran), Amman (Jordan), Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Baghdad (Iraq), Beirut (Lebanon) , Kuwait (Kuwait), Doha (Qatar), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Muscat (Oman), Tel Aviv (Israel) and the General Consulate in Jerusalem. For Bahrain, she said the Embassy in Kuwait holds parallel accreditation, and an Honorary Consulate of Greece also operates in Manama (Bahrain).
"There is a specific plan for the repatriation of Greek citizens and alternative plan in the case that restrictions continue," Zochiou said, adding that a necessary prerequisite for the repatriation to begin was the resumption of flights. Once airline traffic resumes, she added, diplomatic authorities are on standby to provide the necessary assistance to Greek citizens that wish to return to Greece. At present, she pointed out, no flights are operating in most countries in the area.
She noted that, for security reasons, it was not possible to expand on the planning for repatriation flights, noting that the situation on the ground was difficult and complex, while its duration was unknown. "Greek citizens are therefore requested, until the situation has clarified, to follow the instructions of authorities in the area, follow the announcements that are made, either through the social media accounts of our authorities or by the ministry," she added.
Greece is monitoring developments in Iran and the Middle East
“ We express our concern about the situation in the region. We call on all parties to immediately de-escalate and exercise restraint in order to avoid a regional conflagration, with potentially serious consequences for international peace and security," Zochiou said.
"We call for full respect for International Law, including the Charter of the United Nations," she noted, adding that Greece supports diplomacy and that "sustainable solutions to the region’s security challenges can only be achieved through negotiations, through diplomatic means."
Greece has repeatedly expressed its strong concern regarding Iran’s nuclear program, the spokesperson added. "Full compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency are essential. It is also widely accepted that full oversight of its nuclear and ballistic programs is a prerequisite for stability in the region.”
Athens also attaches particular importance to maritime security in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Red Sea, she noted, reiterating the country’s concern over reports of a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“ We call on all parties to refrain from any action that could endanger freedom of navigation, the safety of seafarers, threaten global trade and supply chains, and flagrantly violate international law of the sea."
She also noted that protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law remain absolute priorities. "Compliance by all Member States with the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law, and human rights law becomes even more critical in the present circumstances,” Zochiou said, adding that the foreign minister has been in continuous contact with Greece’s partners and allies in the wider region, from the first moment of the crisis.
Regarding Gerapetritis’ meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, she pointed out that they referred to developments in the broader Middle East but no issue of an operational timetable regarding Iran was raised.
AMNA
