NEW YORK (ANA-MPA/G. Garantzioti)
Greece’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations Aglaia Balta told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that Greece voted in favor of the resolution presented on behalf of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, reiterating its strong solidarity to the countries of the Gulf and reaffirming the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Balta thanked Bahrain for its “tireless efforts to drafting this resolution” and expressed regret that it was not adopted.
She said that the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical maritime routes and its disruption carries far-reaching consequences for international peace and security.
Greece, she said, “remains firmly committed to promoting maritime security and freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law, as reflected in the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)”, and has repeatedly condemned Iran’s illegal and unprovoked attacks against the countries of the Gulf Regions and elsewhere. It was in this context that Greece voted in favor of the resolution that aimed at ensuring safe and unimpeded transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
A de-escalation of hostilities remains of paramount importance, both with regards to the wider conflict and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Greece’s representative added, concluding, “Our aim must remain to find ways to return to the negotiating table with a view to a peaceful settlement in line with international law and the UN Charter”.