ATHENS — "Syria remains the theatre of a war by proxy," underlined Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias during his intervention on Tuesday at the 5th Brussels conference for supporting the future of Syria and the region. He also underlined that this must change and that the conflict there must stop serving the interests of foreign powers.

"Having entered its 11th year, the crisis of Syria remains an important reason for concern and a factor of instability in the wider region," Dendias said, and referred to the great significance of the specific initiative, which was held under the auspices of EU and UN, in order to alleviate the repercussions of the ongoing tragedy on the Syrian people, 10 years after the beginning of the civil war.

He underlined that there is a major need for humanitarian and health aid, food and protection, particularly in the northern part of the country.

Dendias reiterated Greece's support for the UN envoy for Syria and the efforts for a political solution that will guarantee the country's territorial integrity and the security of all its population, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions.

"Greece, as sincere and active supporter of peace, security, stability and growth in the wider region of Eastern Mediterranean, is totally committed to the efforts for a political solution to the Syria crisis," Dendias said, adding "a solution that will preserve the country's unity, national sovereignty and territorial integrity".