Ladies and gentlemen MPs, the scenes broadcast from Ukraine are tragic. We are all watching them. Against the backdrop of this war caused by the Russian invasion, Diaspora Greeks and Greek diplomats found themselves entrapped.
So, before this debate begins, I would like to inform you that as we speak, an operation to evacuate the Greek Consul General from Mariupol together with the OSCE staff is underway.
If the information we have is accurate, they are already heading for Zaporizhzhia. I very much hope that he will be able to return to our country safely.
In any case, in addition to our wishes that go with him, I would like to state clearly that his presence in Mariupol during the last days, in the effort to protect and help Diaspora Greeks as well as the presence of Ambassador Fragiskos Kostellenos and Dimitris Dochtsis, our Consul General in Odessa, honour our country. Once again, I extend them my warmest congratulations and gratitude on behalf of us all.
Thank you very much.
