Gerapetritis: Respect for International Law and Territorial Integrity Is Non‑Negotiable

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has reaffirmed Athens’ firm commitment to the rules‑based international order, stressing that respect for international law, state sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain non‑negotiable pillars of global stability.

Speaking after a meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel, Gerapetritis emphasized that the United Nations Charter and international legal norms embody the foundation of peaceful coexistence among states — a stance Greece believes is essential in today’s volatile geopolitical environment.

“The rules of international law and the United Nations Charter — especially respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity — are absolutely non‑negotiable features of peaceful international order,” he stated.

Gerapetritis called for continued cooperation within multilateral frameworks like the UN Security Council and NATO, advocating for unity among democratic states to preserve collective security and shared values. He argued that weakening multilateral institutions only serves to increase global insecurity and undermine peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms.

Condemning Violence and Advocating Human Rights

Addressing current unrest in the Middle East, Gerapetritis also condemned the use of violence against peaceful demonstrators, particularly in places such as Iran, where reports indicate crackdowns on citizens advocating freedom of expression. Greece has called on Tehran to refrain from imposing harsh penalties on protesters and to respect fundamental rights, underlining that violence against civilians is utterly unacceptable.

This position aligns with Greece’s broader foreign policy agenda, which includes supporting the peaceful resolution of conflicts wherever international law and human rights are at stake. Greek diplomacy has consistently urged restraint and respect for international norms in crises ranging from the wars in Ukraine to tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Context in European and Regional Diplomacy

As Greece continues to serve as a voice for multilateral engagement, Gerapetritis has repeatedly advocated for a values‑based European response to global crises and the importance of unified action within EU and NATO frameworks. This includes addressing threats to sovereignty — from illegal aggression in Ukraine to violations of maritime borders and tensions with neighboring states.

His stance underscores Athens’ broader diplomatic vision: that sustainable peace can only be achieved when states adhere to international rules rather than unilateral force — a message Greece seeks to promote both regionally and at the highest levels of the United Nations.

Source: pagenews.gr