"Today is a historic day", as the debate on the bill to remove restrictions on the voting of Greeks abroad begins - a bill of "basis, infrastructure, and dignity" for Diaspora Greeks. This was emphasized by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras, speaking today on the "Syndeseis" show on ERT1 and to journalist Kostas Papachlimintzos.
Mr. Kotsiras particularly emphasized that this legislative initiative responds to the "long-standing demand" of Diaspora Greeks to exercise their electoral right from where they reside and highlighted the mobilization of thousands of Diaspora associations and ordinary citizens who have written letters to Greek MPs, requesting them to vote in favour of the bill. It is a "major issue of national significance", the Deputy Minister pointedly stated.
The aim is to strengthen ties with Diaspora, which is expected to bolster our country's public diplomacy as well. As the Deputy Foreign Minister explained, the goal is "to further enhance our country’s image as well as the international capital the Prime Minister has built in recent years", through soft diplomacy and the use of up-to-date, digital tools.
When asked about Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Kotsiras stated that an environment of trust is being developed through various communication channels and noted that it is positive to have conditions of calm and dialogue with the neighboring country. "On the basis of International Law and with great security", as a result of our "much strengthened international diplomatic standing", we move on to the next day with caution and dialogue", underlined the Deputy Minister.
Lastly, Mr. Kotsiras expressed his solidarity with the citizens affected by the fires over the last few days and thanked the firefighters, volunteers, police forces, and ordinary citizens who are fighting a massive battle under adverse conditions.
Link to the Deputy Minister’s interview as follows: https://youtu.be/jfW4-5xepDA
July 20, 2023