K. Kombos: EU Must Take a Leading Role in the Middle East

Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos emphasized the need for the European Union to take a leading role in developments in the Middle East. He made the statements on Monday, ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.

Mr. Kombos called for de-escalation of tension in the region, stressing that diplomacy and dialogue are necessary to achieve progress. He also condemned the terrorist attack against a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus.

"We all call for de-escalation, we urge and request that intensive diplomacy and dialogue be the way forward. We ask for maximum restraint," the Foreign Minister stated.

Furthermore, Mr. Kombos stressed the need for an action plan from the EU to ensure its leading presence in the region. He noted the importance of the "E3 plus one" format (France, Germany, United Kingdom, and the EU) and the need to promote its action.

Regarding the attack on the church in Damascus, Mr. Kombos stated that Cyprus condemns the terrorist attack and called on the Syrian authorities to investigate the incident and protect Christians in Syria.

"Targeting a place of worship aimed at causing a maximum number of casualties and instilling fear in the Christian community is completely unacceptable," he added.