Mitsotakis from Beirut: "Greece will work to protect religious communities, the cultural heritage of Syria"

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met on Monday in Beirut with his Lebanese counterpart Najib Mikati and the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri.

According to government sources cited by AMNA, during the meetings, Mitsotakis expressed Greece's support for stability and peace in Lebanon.

Mitsotakis also stressed the importance of implementing the November 27 ceasefire for peace and stability in the wider region. He reiterated Greece's readiness to assist in strengthening state institutions in Lebanon, implementing the ceasefire, and strengthening the economy.

The same sources added that during the meetings, ways in which Greece could assist the Lebanese Armed Forces, tasked with effectively implementing the ceasefire, were explored. Greece has already been participating in the naval component of UNIFIL since 2006, with a frigate and personnel.

More specifically, migration was also one of the issues discussed during Mitsotakis' discussions in Lebanon.

He reiterated Greece's position in favour of unity, territorial integrity, and Syria's sovereignty and stressed that the next day in Syria must safeguard all religious communities and citizens.

"We are at a critical point in the process. The ceasefire agreement with Israel marks a significant step forward in the context of the ongoing challenges facing the region, and we view it as a positive development," Mitsotakis said.

"The mediation efforts, led by the United States and France, are commendable and have led to this important development, the full implementation of which is vital. It is crucial to ensure that people on both sides of the border have the right to live in peace without the threat of bombs and rockets destroying their lives."

He added that the international community, including Greece, must do everything in its power to maintain the ceasefire and implement Resolution 1701, which guarantees full respect for the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty and paves the way for long-term security for its people.

Furthermore, he emphasised that Greece has a long and distinguished history of friendship with the peoples of this region.

"I am here today to convey a clear and unwavering message of support. I am the first European leader to visit Lebanon since the ceasefire was announced. We are aware that your people have endured significant challenges. We extend our support to you in your time of grief, as well as in your aspirations and your unwavering resilience," he said.

"My visit to Lebanon reflects my country's commitment to supporting the country's state institutions in these critical moments. It also symbolises our historic bonds of friendship and sends a message of peace, stability, and a shared future for the Lebanese people. Regarding Syria, the fall of the Assad regime is a welcome development, but it also entails significant security risks and migration.

"We need to work collectively to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, the protection of human rights, and, of course, all religious communities and ethnic groups, as well as the very rich cultural heritage of the country."

Mitsotakis also expressed the hope that future stability in Syria will allow the millions of refugees who have fled the country, many of whom are in Lebanon, to return.

The Greek prime minister also said that developments in Syria further increase the urgency of supporting Lebanon's resilience, addressing threats, and protecting its borders.

He noted that Greece fully supports the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and that it is vital to support the Lebanese armed forces, which are called upon to play a crucial role in implementing the ceasefire agreement and in the safe return of displaced populations to their homes.

Earlier, reported AMNA, Mitsotakis met with Patriarch John I of Antioch and Metropolitan Elias of Beirut, as well as with the Presidency of the Greek Community of Beirut.

He stressed that Greece acted immediately to evacuate its citizens during the conflict and was ready to provide all assistance. He also highlighted the contribution of Lebanese Hellenism to the close and friendly relations between the two peoples.

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