23 January 2025
Thank you your Excellency,
Allow me to warmly welcome Mr. Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, and thank you, as well as the Assistant Secretary-General, for your very important remarks.
As strong supporter of multilateralism, and a country that holds International Law at the core of its conduct, Greece places a high premium on the cooperation of regional organizations with the United Nations and the Security Council more specifically, consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter. As turmoil, upheaval and renewal are engulfing the Middle East and the Arab world, the League of Arab States remains a very important regional partner. Well-positioned to promote collective security, stability and progress in a region as tumultuous, as it is rich and diverse.
Mr. President,
Greece has long-standing political, economic and cultural ties with the Arab World. Arab countries are our natural partners for promoting a prosperous and stable day-after during the post-conflict phase in our wider region. We are grateful for the broad support received by members of the League of Arab States in our bid to the Security Council, and we are privileged and happy to serve alongside two League members, Algeria and Somalia, in this august body.
And as an honest interlocutor with all UN member-states, including the Arab world, we aspire to contribute to the peaceful resolution of the regional issues that this Council is seized of.
Mr. President,
We share the aspirations and concerns of Arab countries in preventing further escalation in the Middle East, which seems to be going through profound transformation.
Greece consistently supports all efforts to seek a comprehensive resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, towards a viable Two State solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security.
Only a few days ago, we witnessed here in this Chamber the international community’s warm yet cautious welcome to the long over-due ceasefire and hostage release deal, achieved through the tireless efforts of two members of the League of Arab States -Egypt and Qatar- alongside the United States. As the UN Secretary-General said, while a ray of hope shines in the region, challenges remain for humanitarian aid and reconstruction. It is now time to seize the momentum and redouble our collective efforts towards our shared objective of regional peace and stability.
Likewise, following major developments in Syria, we see eye-to-eye with the League of Arab States on the necessity for an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process; one based on the principles of Resolution 2254 and facilitated by the United Nations. Syrians finally deserve peace, one that can only be assured through an orderly and fully inclusive political transition, towards a legitimate, representative and non-sectarian government, based on democratic legitimacy. With full respect to its unity, independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. No effort should be spared for the protection of all affected civilians, including Christians and all religious minorities and ethnic groups.
All this, while a new dawn has emerged in Lebanon. A unique opportunity to restore political unity in a country tormented by instability for years. Where a government for all Lebanese and a State able to ensure and guarantee the security for all its citizens will hopefully soon take shape. As our Prime Minister pledged during his recent visit, Greece will continue to support UNIFIL, the role of which has been constructive in monitoring the cessation of hostilities, as well as the Lebanese Armed Forces, charged with the prominent task of extending their control over all Lebanese territory in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1701.
Finally, let me turn to Sudan, where the humanitarian situation is dire and a famine crisis has taken root in large swathes of the country. Over 24 million Sudanese -over half of its population face acute food insecurity. Refugee and migratory flows ensue, placing neighbouring countries, such as Egypt, one of our close strategic partners and host of the League of Arab States, under immense pressure. Working closely together, our two Organizations must collectively ensure unrestricted access for humanitarian aid; expand humanitarian assistance; and silence the guns, seeking a political solution respecting the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan.
Mr. President,
In concluding, let me stress that our discussion today is timely in allowing us to share the wisdom and expertise of the League of Arab States in identifying, addressing, and perhaps even overcoming regional challenges. It is an opportunity to share insights and coordinate our efforts towards our common objectives. For in the grand scheme of things, we both strive for international peace, security. A task as daunting as it seems elusive; but may be less so, if we strive for it together.
I thank you