In statements following an EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos noted yesterday that an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation in Gaza is imperative and that, above all, the prospect of a two-state solution must be safeguarded.

He also stressed that "we must return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and create conditions of confidence that are currently non-existent unfortunately". 

The FM added that Greece will continue to undertake initiatives towards shaping a dynamic European policy in the region, based on the relations of trust it has with both Israel and the Palestinians.

• Greece is a Safe Country

Meanwhile, "Greece has been and remains a safe country. A state with rule of law, where every citizen and visitor enjoys the protection of the law," Foreign Ministry spokesman Gregory Delavekouras stated on November 16, following an update by the US Embassy in Athens, of the travel advisory for American citizens visiting Greece, warning them to beware of the possibility of "unprovoked harassment and violent attacks" against people who could be mistaken for foreign migrants.

"The isolated incidents of racial violence that have taken place are foreign to Greeks, to our culture, and to the centuries-old tradition of Greek hospitality," Delavekouras continued adding that state agencies follow a policy of zero tolerance for such phenomena and are "taking all necessary measures to prevent and quell such conduct, which is condemned unequivocally".