Greek, Cypriot and Israeli FMs express strong will for revival of 3+1 format with US

Greek, Cypriot and Israeli Foreign Ministers expressed strong will for the revival of the 3+1 format with the US, after their trilateral meeting in Athens.

More specifically, in his remarks in their joint statements on 13 March, Cyprus Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos, referred to the strong will of the three countries to reinvigorate the 3+1 format with the US, "in common pace with the new administration and based on the rationale that this expanded format is also a multiplier of the US regional architecture potential in the Eastern Mediterranean".

He said that the discussion extended to the interconnectivity section and that the three Foreign Ministers discussed the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor) initiative, agreeing that the three countries have interconnected strategic and geographical advantages, which place them within the geo-economic scope of this important project. "Together, we constitute the Mediterranean link of this corridor. Through critical infrastructure, shipping, and skilled human resources. As regards these objectives, there is a south-eastern gateway to Europe. With a geographical autonomy which links Asia to Europe through the Gulf and the Middle East, and for the benefit of the transatlantic relationship as well," he added.

Moreover, he stressed that the Republic of Cyprus has consistently condemned Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel and underlined that Hamas cannot have a role in the future governance and security of Gaza. "As a first step, the ceasefire agreement and the release of all hostages, as well as the return of the bodies of the victims should be fully implemented. To this end, we support the mediation efforts of the United States and other countries," he said. 

Regarding Syria, Kombos expressed his concern with regard to the violent clashes, and condemned the heinous crimes against Alawites, Christians and Druze.

"It is important that there is a full investigation and also accountability. De-escalation is a key priority to promote an inclusive, peaceful political transition process. Without interference, interference, and influence from third parties. Respecting the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the country, thereby guaranteeing the rights of all religious and ethnic communities. The Syrian people deserves and has the right to enjoy the support of the international community, and the European Union," he said.

On his part, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said as regards the issue of electrical interconnection, that the "Great Sea Interconnector" is a project of common interest for the European Union," he said.

"It will be done and it will be completed," he underlined, noting that "interconnectivity projects are of very high importance both for the energy stability and security of our region, but also for the whole of Europe and the world. The project will continue according to the schedule, which will be finalized," he said.

At the same time, he stressed that Greece, Cyprus and Israel are looking forward to the enlargement of the format with the reactivation of the "3+1" and the participation of the United States, noting that he raised the issue in his recent meeting with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and had "a positive response in principle".

With regard to developments in the Middle East, Gerapetritis said that Greece had taken a principled stance from day one. "We condemned the Hamas attack and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. We stressed the need for the uninterrupted and continuous flow of humanitarian aid to all parts of Gaza to remain a priority," he said.

The Greek Foreign Minister spoke of an encouraging development as regards the ceasefire and noted that "the ceasefire provides the necessary incentives for the revival of the political process for a two-state solution in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, with recognition of Israel's right to peace and security."

Finally, Gerapetritis expressed his concern regarding the situation in Syria and underlined that Greece condemned the atrocities committed against innocent civilians, especially Christians and Alawites. 

On his part, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stressed that the events of October 2023 have radically changed the region, adding that "with our friend Mr Trump we have a chance to fix things in the region".

Referring to Syria, Saar said that Christians were massacred under the new regime and called on Syria to be careful with its relations with Turkey, accusing Ankara of enabling forces to enter Lebanon to help Hezbollah.

"Israel will not agree to anything less than the complete demilitarization of Gaza, the end of the presence of Hamas, and the return of hostages," he said, adding that talks in Doha were continuing with no predictable outcome.

"In 42 days, 25,000 truckloads of humanitarian aid entered, which is currently 50% of Hamas' budget, which they use to recruit new terrorists. And we have to keep this in mind," he said.

(Source: CNA)