Syriza leader Stefanos Kasselakis has pulled the plug on a meeting with a leading Jewish lobby group in a bid to stave off criticism and controversy amidst growing tensions in the Middle East.
Mr. Kasselakis is currently in the United States where his schedule of contacts included a meeting with the American Israeli Public Committee (AIPAC), the larget a bipartisan, pro-Israel political action committee group in the country contributing to bolstering US-Israeli ties
Syriza sources said the meeting was initially planned to discuss the party’s stance on the Palestinian issue. But the talks have been purportedly called off because of rising tensions in the Middle East and Israel’s “perceived reluctance to deescalate the situation.”
The move suggests a call for all regional players to exercise restraint and adhere to international law and the efforts of global mediators.
On Monday, Kostis Karpozilos, a spokesperson for the New Left, vehemently criticised Mr. Kasselakis’ planned meeting with AIPAC. He described the organisation as “hardline, conservative, and pro-war,” serving as a lobby for Israel’s Likud party and the Israeli state within the United States.