Our country's position on developments in Israel has been "unwavering and consistent" from the very beginning, noted Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras, speaking today on SKAI TV’s show "Atairiastoi" and to journalists Christos Koutras and Giannis Ntsounos.
"We condemned the terrorist attack by Hamas and stood by Israel regarding its right of self-defense", the Deputy Minister stated, while also supporting the securing of humanitarian corridors. Following a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kotsiras expressed his regret for the events that led to the loss of human lives at the Gaza hospital and underlined the necessity to prevent a humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.
Thanks to its responsible stance and the "diplomatic capital it has acquired over the years", Greece constitutes a "pillar of stability and security for the region" and is actively engaged in the effort to prevent a spill-over of the crisis, emphasized Deputy Minister, Giorgos Kotsiras.
Furthermore, Mr. Kotsiras referred to the prompt and highly successful action the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took for the repatriation of Greek citizens, a process completed a few days ago. "A massive effort was made, resulting in the safe repatriation of all our compatriots who sought assistance", said Mr. Kotsiras, adding that the return of nationals from other European and third countries was also facilitated.
Regarding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ policy on the Greek Diaspora, the Deputy Minister, Giorgos Kotsiras, emphasized that "for the first time in the history of the Greek state, a National Strategy for the Greek Diaspora is being designed and is nearing completion", focusing on "culture, education, and the digitalization of consular services, aiming to improve the daily life of our compatriots worldwide". In this regard, he emphasized the importance of reaching out to the new Diaspora, namely the "brain drain" generation.
Lastly, when asked about the case of Fredi Beleri, Mr. Kotsiras underscored that, in light of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ recent statements from Tirana, our position is clear: the swearing-in of Fredi Beleri as Mayor of Himarë is a "fundamental element of the rule of law" and an "essential prerequisite for Greece to support Albania's EU accession process”.
October 18, 2023