Kombos supports de-escalation and diplomatic action on Israel-Iran conflict at FAC

The rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East was the focus of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, with Cyprus' Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos emphasising the need for immediate de-escalation, maximum restraint and intensive diplomatic action, referring to the military conflict between Israel and Iran.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kombos during the 23 June meeting strongly condemned the terrorist attack on 22 June at a Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus, underlining that it was a heinous crime committed by radical extremist elements targeting innocent civilians in places of worship.

He also underlined the obligation of the Syrian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and to provide effective protection for the Christian population. “Cyprus will continue to actively and effectively support the Orthodox Christian community in Syria,” he said.

It is added that in his intervention on the Israel-Iran military conflict, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the need for immediate de-escalation, maximum restraint and intensive diplomatic action as the only viable solution, while reiterating the proposal he had made at the extraordinary teleconference of the Informal EU Foreign Ministers' Meeting held last Tuesday, 17 June 2025, for the EU to put in place a diplomatic action plan at the appropriate institutional level, including EU Member States.

He noted that this is a crucial moment and that the EU must play a more visible role, in coordination with the intensive efforts of the E3 (United Kingdom, France, Germany) and the United States. "EU member states are already engaged in diplomatic activities to this end, with the aim of returning to the path of negotiations, and will continue to move in this direction. In this context, it is also crucial to support the work and role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," he said.

It is added that the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, presented her report on Gaza in the context of the review process of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which she initiated.

As noted, the Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed the EU HR's report and stressed that the situation in Gaza is unacceptable. He also stated that Israel has an obligation to comply with the international law, to immediately release the Palestinian Authority's tax revenues and to substantially increase the flow of humanitarian aid in a clear and sustained manner.

“We are ready to consider options that the HR may present as part of her remit at the July FAC, both in the context of the review and of Member States' proposals to the HR,” he added, and reiterated his proposal for meaningful and structured communication with Israel on the implementation of the demand for increased humanitarian assistance, a position which, as noted, was expressed by a number of other participants as well as by Kallas herself.

He also reiterated that Cyprus recognised the State of Palestine 38 years ago, stressing the need to reach an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages, while also expressing readiness to adopt restrictive measures against violent settlers.

The ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as China and European security, were also discussed at the FAC meeting, the press release concluded.

(Source: CNA)