Due to the dramatic developments in Ukraine and following consultation with Prime Minister Mr. Mitsotakis, I immediately convened a meeting of the Special Crisis Management Unit.
The purpose of the meeting was to examine the measures that need to be taken to protect our compatriots, that is, Greek citizens currently in Ukraine, as well as the large number of Diaspora Greeks who live there.
In the course of the meeting there was a videoconference with our Ambassador in Kyiv and with our Consuls in Mariupol and Odessa.
I would like to seize this opportunity to praise their professionalism and thank them warmly for their services in the midst of a crisis.
I would like to recall that Greece is one of the countries that maintain their Diplomatic Missions in Ukraine.
The aim is to coordinate efforts to provide assistance on the ground.
An evacuation plan has been drawn up for Greek citizens, as well as for the holders of Special Identity Cards for Aliens of Greek Descent.
Many of our compatriots have already contacted our Missions and we have taken the necessary steps.
However, we are de facto compelled to adjust our plan to the conditions on the ground.
We call on the Greeks who are still in Ukraine to be in constant contact with our Diplomatic Missions. We also advise them to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Already ten days ago we had discouraged Greeks from travelling to Ukraine and asked Greek citizens in Ukraine to leave the country.
In any case, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will do everything it can to support the Greek citizens and the Diaspora Greeks currently in the country.
Furthermore, a Special Unit was activated at the Ministry to provide assistance to both Greek citizens and their relatives.
I want to recall that two weeks ago I visited the region, both Mariupol, and various villages inhabited by the Greek minority.
I emphasized then that, upon instruction from the Prime Minister, the Greek Government will make every effort for the security and protection of Greeks in this region.
I reiterate that this promise will be kept.
I shall now turn to the urgent political issues.
A short while ago, upon my instructions, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mr. Demiris, made a demarche to the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Mr. Maslov. I recall that it is the second demarche within a few hours.
We stressed to the Russian Ambassador that our country unequivocally condemns today’s Russian attack on Ukraine.
I want to emphasize that the protection of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of all states constitutes the Gospel and the cornerstone of Greek foreign policy. These principles must be respected by all countries.
We therefore called on the Russian side to immediately end hostilities, which, among other things, endanger the lives of civilians, including Diaspora Greeks.
Also, shortly, at his request, I will talk with the US Ambassador, Mr. Pyatt.
Afterwards, I will meet with the Ambassador of Ukraine, Mr. Shutenko, the Ambassador of Poland, Mr. Lompart, the Ambassador of Estonia, Ms. Rannu, the Chargé d’Affaires of Latvia, Mr. Jaunzems, and the Chargé d’Affaires of Lithuania, Ms. Vaiciuniene.
Tomorrow morning I will have successive meetings with the Ambassadors of France and the United Kingdom, Messrs Maisonnave and Lodge respectively.
Later, as you know, the Foreign Affairs Council will take place in Brussels, in which I will participate.
Thank you so much.