"The situation in the wider Middle East is extremely chaotic and complex, it worries the European Union and is causing serious tremors in the global security architecture," Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said upon his arrival at the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union on Monday.

"I will particularly refer to the issue of the terrorist attack on the Holy Church of Prophet Elias, in Damascus, where believers lost their lives," he pointed out and added: "This is a blind attack that highlights the tension, but also the asymmetry in the threat that exists."

In this context, he noted that he has proposed a five-point plan to the Foreign Affairs Council, "so that Europe is present."

"This includes, firstly, the political solution, which will come through self-restraint and de-escalation of tension. Second, the protection of all civilians and the protection of freedom of navigation. Thirdly, the strong participation of the European Union in the processes that are taking place at this moment. And furthermore, we should not forget Gaza, because all the issues are interconnected. We should strengthen our efforts so that there is an unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and further strengthening of the Palestinian Authority so that it can respond to the stakes," said Gerapetritis.

"The issues related to the Middle East also concern Syria, they concern Libya, where increased migratory flows are observed. And it is also the responsibility of the European Union to be able to control these irregular migratory flows in any way. And of course full respect for International Law and especially the International Law of the Sea," he concluded.