Greece ruled out on Monday any military involvement in the guarding the Strait of Hormuz or any involvement in the war. This was claerly communicated by both the Foreign Minister and the government spokesman.
“We will not be involved in the war,” government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said during the daily briefing.
Marinakis was clear on the issue of Greece’s involvement in guarding the Straits of Hormuz, something that the U.S. is seeking.
Regarding this request from European forces to participate in guarding the Straits of Hormuz, Marinakis said: “There is no question of our country’s involvement in an operation in the Straits of Hormuz.”
He added that: “We are only participating in Operation SHIELD (ASPIDES) with the aim of guarding ships in specific areas. Our country continues to call on Iran to refrain from actions that impede navigation and to return to diplomacy. We will not be involved in war.”
Greek FM: Greece has no intention of getting involved in the war – EU should take the lead
Arriving at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis made clear that Greece has no intention of getting involved in the war.
Stressing that the European Union should take the lead in the discussion on the Strait of Hormuz between the U.S. and European leaders, he called on the EU to rise to the occasion at a particularly critical juncture.
“Greece is in principle in favor of the universal application of international law, respect for the rights of civilians and of course the return to diplomacy instead of war”, Gerapetritis said.
While making particular reference to the safety of navigation he underlined that Greece supports the free movement of all ships in the wider region and called on Iran to respect the rules of the International Law of the Sea.
He noted that Greece stands in solidarity with the Gulf countries affected by the tension, while also providing defense assistance to Cyprus.
