During his intervention today at the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the North Atlantic Alliance, Foreign Minister Kotzias underscored, among other things, that fighting terrorism is of the highest priority. For this reason, the formation of alliances against terrorism is most appropriate.
But what must be paid particular attention, Mr. Kotzias stressed, is that the actions in the region must not be mistaken by the Arab world for a war between Arabs and Westerners.
Mr. Kotzias then stated his full support for the Vienna Process for a political transition in Syria, the preparation of a new Constitution, and the carrying out of fair elections. Moreover, he fully supported the positions of France, Germany and Italy with regard to the involvement of NATO in Syria, stressing at the same time that NATO doesn’t have the best image in the Arab world and, for that reason, the Alliance should in no case become involved in Syria.
Finally, Foreign Minister Kotzias underscored that, while it is true that the Russian activity in Syria has complicated the already existing crisis, this should not distract us from the highest priority, which is combating ISIS. In closing, Mr. Kotzias stressed that the resolution of the crisis in Syria must be achieved at the soonest possible time, because otherwise the migration and refugee flows will increase greatly in the coming year.
December 1, 2015