Greek Minister of Defense: Middle Eastern Christians are not a minority but native populations integral to the region’s historical and social fabric – SyriacPress

ATHENS — Amid the rapid developments unfolding in Lebanon, particularly on the military front during the last 2 years, and the Lebanese state’s determination to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces’ capabilities in preparation for taking control of areas and positions now held by Iran-backed Hezbollah militias south of the Litani River, thereby implementing the November 2024 ceasefire agreement and halting ongoing Israeli airstrikes, Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa traveled to the Greek capital, Athens, on 13 November 2025, where he met with his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias. 
During the meeting, Dendias announced that a shipment of armored vehicles would soon be sent to Lebanon, an indication of Athens’ commitment to supporting Lebanon’s stability and its defensive capacity. “We have agreed to donate a series of armored and transport vehicles to Lebanon. A Greek tank landing ship will transport them to Beirut in the immediate future.” Dendias said, emphasizing that Greece’s support goes beyond words. 
This Greek assistance forms part of a joint military cooperation agreement that includes training Lebanese Armed Forces officers in Greek military academies, a program both ministers agreed to continue. 
Christians of the Middle East 
Dendias also addressed the situation of Christians in Lebanon and the broader Middle East, emphasizing that protecting Middle Eastern Christians is of paramount importance. “We have condemned any act of violence directed against religious freedom in the area [Middle East],” he said. “The protection of Christian populations in the wider area of the Middle East is an issue of utmost importance for Greece. We have also expressed our views on the protection of all the religious minorities in the Middle East.”
Dendias stressed that Christians in the Middle East “…are not a minority, they are native populations, an integral element of the historical continuity and social fabric, both in Lebanon and Syria and in the wider Middle East.” 
He emphasized: “For this reason,” he added, “we firmly support the Greek-Orthodox Patriarchates and we will do what is possible in the future to that end.” 
Dendias also recalled Greece’s ongoing initiatives in Lebanon, particularly its cooperation with the University of Balamand, noting that these efforts began during his tenure as foreign minister and have continued under his current post at the Ministry of Defense. 
For his part, Minister Menassa expressed his gratitude to Greece for its “steadfast friendship and support,” noting, “The aid you provide today reflects your continuous commitment to Lebanon.” 
Despite acknowledging the economic and security challenges Lebanon is facing, he affirmed that the Lebanese Army remains strong and committed to defending the country’s sovereignty. Menassa concluded by stressing that the Exclusive Economic Zone agreement between Lebanon and Cyprus is rooted in the longstanding friendship between Lebanon and Greece.
HMOTH (HOMS), Syria — In a significant move aimed at strengthening Christian unity and …
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