Main opposition SYRIZA leader, Stefanos Kasselakis visited the West Bank’s Bethlehem on Sunday where he was met and spoke with Palestinian Authority officials, including Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Hani al-Hayek.
The Greek political leader was accompanied by his diplomatic advisor Dimitrios Papageorgiou and other party members.
During the meeting, Kasselakis emphasized the importance of recognizing a Palestinian state, stating that “it is fair and moral to finally recognize a state of Palestine.” He expressed his solidarity with the Palestinian people and urged the Greek government to follow Spain’s example in recognizing a Palestinian state.
Kasselakis also voiced his concerns about the ongoing violence in Gaza, calling the situation a “massacre” and stressing the need for European pressure in light of the upcoming European elections. He highlighted the necessity of promoting the recognition of the Palestinian state as a just and moral imperative.
Reflecting on what he described as a historic relationship between the Greek and Palestinian peoples, Kasselakis cited what he said were the deep bonds that unite them. He also reminded of the his leftist party’s commitment to the two-state solution based on UN resolutions, while advocating for the prompt recognition of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital.
“Above all, SYRIZA stands on the side of peace,” Kasselakis said, adding: “I believe that the entire Western world must send a clear message for Israel and Palestine to move towards a permanent peace settlement.”
In addition to his official meetings, the president of SYRIZA also visited a refugee camp in Bethlehem.
