A. Katsaniotis: Our main goal is the stay of our expatriates in their homes in Mariupol

We must see how, the next day, there will be Greek expatriates in the region, stressed the Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Katsaniotis, answering current questions of the SYRIZA MP, Al. Triantaphyllides and the independent MP P. Kouroumblis for the security of the Greeks of Mariupol. In my opinion, this is the dominant national project, said Mr. Katsaniotis, noting that for those who want to leave, Greece is open to Ukrainian citizens, and much more so for our compatriots. “The Greek community in Ukraine is both historical and important, and our goal is to continue to be with them when and when the tragedy ends,” he said.

Mr Triantaphyllides spoke of a policy of carelessness and abandonment of Ukrainian Hellenism to his fate, and argued that the prime minister had sent weapons to Ukraine without providing “reasonable consideration” for the security and protection of the Greek community.

For his part, Mr. Kouroublis said that no reasonable person condemns Russia’s invasion and revisionism, but wondered why a foreign ministry official should come out to talk about overthrowing Putin. He also asked if Greece, apart from Kalashnikovs, had sent anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons to Ukraine, weakening its defense, with Mr. Katsaniotis reiterating that “such a thing has not happened.”

Regarding the current situation, the Undersecretary of State said that no one expected, not even the residents of Mariupol, that there would be no respect for humanitarian law, that they would be bombed mercilessly, and that in the 21st century, we would live in a city of exclusion. He pointed out that “at this moment we must fight for the civilians who live in terror in Mariupol”.

Source: AMPE