Androulakis criticised the Iranian regime, stating that it has spent decades oppressing its own people and violating fundamental rights, while simultaneously contributing to the destabilisation of the region.
At the same time, he argued that the ‘pre-emptive’ military attack carried out by the United States and Israel without a UN Security Council mandate constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, a position he noted has also been stated by the UN Secretary-General.
The PASOK leader reiterated that Greece is a stabilising force in the region and remains firmly committed to upholding international law. In this context, he stressed that the country’s military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean should serve the exclusive purpose of protecting the Republic of Cyprus, which is closest to the war zone.
Androulakis also described the unity of Hellenism as a strategic choice, recalling that the joint defence framework between Greece and Cyprus was established under PASOK governments, and that a significant diplomatic achievement of that era was Cyprus’s accession to the European Union, despite the Cyprus problem remaining unresolved.
The PASOK president was emphatic that Greece must not be drawn into the war being waged by the US and Israel against Iran, and that no military operation should be launched from bases located on Greek territory.
In closing, Androulakis argued that the crisis underscores the need for a unified and coherent foreign policy from the European Union. Greece, as an EU member state and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, must, he said, actively support every diplomatic initiative aimed at de-escalation.
‘Peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, understanding and respect for international law’, he concluded.
______________________________________________
Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.
Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.