The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, made important statements after the meeting of the Crisis Management Unit in order to examine the measures to be taken to protect Greek citizens and the large number of expatriates in Ukraine.

The Greek Foreign Minister stated that during the meeting, there was a teleconference with the Greek Ambassador in Kiev and with the Consuls in Mariupol and Odessa, whom he congratulated on their professionalism and services in the midst of the crisis. He added that Greece is one of the countries that maintains its diplomatic missions in Ukraine and the purpose is to coordinate relief efforts on the ground.

Regarding the Greek citizens and expatriates in Ukraine, Mr. Dendias stated that an evacuation plan has been prepared for Greek citizens and for holders of expatriates’ special identity cards. Many Greeks, he added, have already contacted the Greek authorities and the necessary actions have been taken. Yet, he stressed that we are in fact forced to adapt our plan to the conditions on the ground.

He also called on the Greeks who are still in Ukraine to be in constant contact with the Diplomatic Authorities of Greece and also to avoid unnecessary travel. Already, ten days ago, he said, we discouraged Greeks from traveling to Ukraine and asked Greek citizens in Ukraine to leave the country.

Nikos Dendias clarified that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will do everything it can to support the Greeks and expatriates who are there. In addition, a Special Unit has been mobilized at the Ministry to provide assistance to both Greek citizens and their relatives.

Regarding the political aspect of this crisis, the Greek Foreign Minister stated that on his instructions, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mr. Demiris, proceeded to a second démarche to the Ambassador of Russia, Mr. Maslov, where he underlined that Greece unequivocally condemns the current Russian attack on Ukraine. He stressed that the protection of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of all states is a sacred gospel and a cornerstone of Greek foreign policy and these principles must be respected by all countries. The Greek side, therefore, called on Russia to immediately end the hostilities, which, among other things, endanger the lives of civilians, including the Greek community.

For the next diplomatic contacts, he stated that at his request, he would hold talks with the American Ambassador, Mr. Pyatt, and then he will meet with the Ambassadors of Ukraine, Mr. Shutenko, of Poland, Mr. Lompart, the appointed Ambassador of Estonia, Mrs. Rannu, the Chargé d’affaires of Latvia, Mr Jaunzems, and of Lithuania, Mrs Vaiciuniene. Tomorrow morning he will meet with the Ambassadors of France and the United Kingdom, Mr. Maisonnave and Lodge respectively. He will later join the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

Also read: Ukrainian Issue | Russia on a tightrope with West over Ukraine crisis – Reactions of all parties