Greece expressed its profound concern over the deteriorating situation in Yemen during a session of the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, emphasising the urgent need for de-escalation and the pursuit of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve peace.
In its statement, the Greek delegation strongly condemned the "continued aggression by the Houthis," citing their use of advanced weaponry, including ballistic missiles and drones, which have targeted critical civilian infrastructure such as oil terminals.
Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, Greece's Permanent Representative to the UN, urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions that exacerbate tensions or lead to civilian casualties. He reiterated Greece’s unequivocal support for the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen to advance a political process that could lead to a sustainable and permanent ceasefire, ultimately paving the way for a lasting peace settlement.
"Greece stands firmly with the Yemeni government," Sekeris stated, stressing the importance of maintaining unity within Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and urging the international community, particularly the Security Council, to address the Yemen crisis with a unified stance. He also cautioned against external actors exploiting the conflict to extend their influence, warning that such actions could destabilize the region further.
Highlighting Yemen's dire humanitarian situation, Greece called for immediate international action to alleviate suffering. Sekeris condemned the arbitrary detention of UN personnel, humanitarian workers, and NGO staff, demanding their unconditional release.
The Greek ambassador outlined four priorities for Greece regarding the Yemen crisis:
- Respect for International Law — emphasizing adherence to global legal norms in conflict resolution.
- Commitment to a Political Solution — advocating for dialogue as the only viable path to lasting peace.
- Humanitarian Support and Protection — underscoring the urgency of addressing Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.
- Maritime Security and Freedom of Navigation — stressing the strategic importance of safeguarding critical shipping routes near Yemen.
Greece’s intervention at the UN Security Council underscores its commitment to international peace and stability, particularly in conflict-stricken regions like Yemen.