Venizelos on Syria: Greece has condemned chemical weapon use, not specific actor

“Greece has asked and is asking for a clear, unequivocal and steadfast condemnation of the use of chemical weapons, is asking for a peace conference on Syria’s future (Geneva-2) and a comprehensive plan equivalent to the peace process for the Middle East,” Venizelos told Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

“At no time has Greece referred to military

intervention, at no time condemned any actor for the use of chemical weapons but their use in itself – and at no time was any actor referred to precisely because we are waiting for the international community to decide,” he said.

Venizelos came under fire from opposition MPs for his statements so far, with main opposition SYRIZA MP Theodoros Dritsas noting that “Greece has become identified with the forces that announced aggressive initiatives, ignoring global concern over their one-sided evaluations.” SYRIZA MP Zoi Constantopoulou said that the foreign minister had “used human rights to justify our country’s participation in a war of aggression”.

Replying, Venizelos accused them of a “deliberate and childishly distorted reading” of his statements.

Source: AMNA