C. Kombos: EU Leadership Role in the Middle East and De-escalation

Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos emphasized the need for the EU to take a leading role in the Middle East, ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

Mr. Kombos called for de-escalation of tensions and stressed that diplomacy and dialogue are necessary to resolve the problems in the region. He also condemned the terrorist attack against a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus.

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

The Foreign Minister stressed that the EU should not remain a passive observer and that an action plan for meaningful engagement is needed. He also referred to the EU's action through the "E3 plus one" format.

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

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