A suicide bomber killed 22 people at the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus, on Sunday, prompting Greek authorities to call on the Syrian transitional authority to do more to protect religious minorities.
The terrorist – whom Syrian authorities said belonged to the Islamic State – began shooting indiscriminately before detonating an explosive. Syrian state media reported around 60 people were injured.
The Greek foreign ministry said in a statement: “Greece demands that the Syrian transitional authorities take immediate action to hold those involved accountable, and to implement measures that will guarantee the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups.”
Νeighbouring Turkey also condemned the attack, saying that it “undermines efforts to establish stability and security in Syria”.
Greece’s Foreign Affairs Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis will discuss the attack today with his EU counterparts.
Athens, Nicosia on alert
Western authorities are on alert for potential attacks by Iran, amid its conflict with Israel and the United States.
Greece’s National Security Council has decided to increase security measures for embassies, synagogues, and other American and Israeli interests in the country.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said on Sunday that Cypriot and Israeli security services had thwarted an attempted attack by Iran on Israeli citizen in Cyprus.
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