Opposition’s response to Greece’s abstention from UN ceasefire resolution
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s absence from the recent vote at the UN General Assembly has sparked controversy and criticism within the country. In a statement released by the press office of the main opposition party, the Radical Left Alliance, it was stated that Mitsotakis’s absence embarrasses the Greek people and tarnishes the country’s history. The statement also claimed that Greece is becoming a negative factor for regional peace due to its one-dimensional foreign policy approach.
The opposition party called on Greece to take a more proactive role in efforts to prevent a ceasefire, address the humanitarian crisis, and secure the release of hostages. They argued that Greece should not simply follow a policy of being an “ally in the pocket,” as this approach poses a threat to the country’s own security.
Dimitris Mantzos, the Panhellenic Socialist Movement Party parliamentary group representative, joined the critique and requested an explanation from the government regarding its decision on October 27.
Meanwhile, the Greek Communist Party released a statement accusing the government of supporting Israel’s actions and rejecting the UN vote. They criticized the government, stating that it was siding with “thieves and criminals.”
According to Greek diplomatic sources cited in the Greek press, Greece’s decision was motivated by a desire to adopt a balanced attitude. The sources clarified that not approving the bill in the vote should not be interpreted as rejecting the bill altogether.
It is worth noting that Greece was one of the 45 countries, including 15 EU member states, that abstained from voting on a draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza at the UN General Assembly. Among the EU countries, Austria, Hungary, Czechia, and Croatia were the only ones to vote against the resolution.
The controversy surrounding Greece’s position on the UN vote highlights the divided opinions within the country regarding its foreign policy approach and its role in promoting regional peace. Critics argue that Greece should take a more active stance, while others defend the government’s decision as a responsible attempt to maintain a balanced position.
