Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ statement upon arrival at the Informal Meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers “Gymnich” (Stockholm, 12.05.2023)

Today’s discussion on Ukraine, even in the informal Council, is extremely important. Because what is at stake in Ukraine is the European cause as a whole as regards territorial integrity and human rights.

However, I’d also like to comment on another really significant issue. The arrest of a member of the Greek National Minority, Fredi Beleri, candidate for mayor in Himare, Albania, and another Greek. I’d like to say that the arrest of a mayoral candidate two days before the polls, creates an absolute scandal if there’s no concrete evidence.

I have already informed the EU High Representative, Mr. Borrell, and the Swedish Foreign Minister in his capacity as President-in-Office, about this. The Greek government will follow this extremely closely.

I reiterate something that was also acknowledged by Albanian Prime Minister Rama. The arrest of a mayoral candidate two days before the elections, in the absence of irrefutable evidence, constitutes a scandal.