"We should ensure that the Western world and the Western Alliance will not allow any loopholes in the system of sanctions," imposed on Russia, underlined Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis in an interview with “Voice of America” Newspaper and journalist Daria Dieguts, from the USA, where he is making an official visit.
Asked about the latest developments in Ukraine but also about the safety of the Diaspora Greeks, the Alternate Minister said that "although we requested for these people to be allowed to leave Mariupol, so far, no ceasefire has been declared by the Russian army so far."
As regards the Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in our country, what they can expect but also where they are going after their arrival, the Alternate Minister stated that about 10,000 people have arrived, which is a small number compared to other countries. "Most of those who have come so far are people who already have relatives or friends who can host them. So, there is no pressure on the system that was developed during the Syrian crisis and we have enough infrastructure, we have enough knowledge and capacity to host them", Mr. Varvitsiotis added.
Regarding the absorption of millions of Ukrainian refugees in Europe, Mr. Varvitsiotis pointed out that he does not consider the hosting of these people coming from Ukraine a problem. "This is different from when people from other parts of the world are coming", the Alternate Minister said and he made mention of labor shortage in Europe, underscoring that "Ukrainians can certainly be absorbed in the labor market immediately". Finally, Mr. Varvitsiotis stressed that refugees are mainly women and children, who are more easily protected by the European system. "It's a heavy burden but not an impossible task".
March 17, 2022