Minister,
I would like to begin by warmly thanking you for convening the Paris Conference on Syria and for your invitation. I am all the more grateful because of my visit, just a few days ago, to Damascus, where I had the opportunity to hold a frank and open exchange with the interim President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria, who is here with us today.
Distinguished Delegates,
I am honored to represent Greece today in the Paris Conference on Syria.
We all agree that a stable and prosperous Syria will not only contribute to regional, but also international peace and security.
Hence, supporting Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity is a goal we all have in common.
Greece supports a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition to a democratic, legitimate government from which no ethnic or religious community will be excluded and which will prepare a constitutional reform and lead towards elections, free from foreign interventions.
In my opinion, the new vision for the Syrian people should include four pillars.
First, gradual lifting of sanctions, second, resilient institution building, third, reconstruction, and fourth, return of human capital.
When it comes to the gradual lifting of sanctions, we need to ensure that these sanctions do not target the people. And provided that the promising words that we heard today are kept under periodic review. Τhe sanctions should be gradually lifted.
Obviously, Syria’s institutions must be resilient, promote good neighbourly relations, and fully comply with International Law, including the International Law of the Sea.
When it comes to resilient institution building, we need to take a principled, lessons-based, coordinated and practical approach on how to engage institution building and capacity development.
It's not only about the new Constitution. It’s also about the “bloc de constitutionalité”, the electoral law, the independent judiciary, and non-discrimination laws.
This know-how could also be provided by significant organizations, such as the Arab League or the UN Envoy, or even the Venice Commission, also known as the European Commission for Democracy through Law of the Council of Europe.
Third, reconstruction. It's important that we secure a special fund for reconstruction. I had the opportunity to personally see how damaged the country is. And it is important that we act promptly in order to restore the essential facilities for the people to be able to live in a livable environment.
Last but not least, return of human capital. I think it's important that we have a cohesive repatriation plan to facilitate the return, while at the same time meeting the needs of people still in Syria. There must be a centralized and well-organised plan for voluntary returns, once critical infrastructure is in place.
We will be there to stand by the Syrian people in this huge recovery effort. Thank you.
February 14, 2025