WITH illumination of the facade of the neoclassical building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs foreign minister Nikos Dendias the colors of the Ukrainian flag, the echo of the funeral march, the observance of a minute of silence for the victims of the war and the echo of the national anthems of Greece and Ukrainiana symbolic ceremony began in the late afternoon as a sign of our country’s support for Ukraine on the occasion of the end of the year since the beginning of the Russian invasion.

Against the backdrop of a lighted building surrounded to his left by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Greece Sergiy Sutenko, and to his right the heads of diplomatic delegations in Greece, such as the ambassadors of Germany, Great Britain, Nikos Dendias sent a message of solidarity to the Ukrainian peoplestressing that Greece has supported Ukraine from day one and that the war must stop before more people die.

At the same time, he stated that the fundamental principles of Greece’s foreign policy are respect for both the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, and international law, as well as rejection of the threat or use of force. “There was no dilemma for Greece, we immediately and unconditionally condemned the invasion,” he emphasized clearly.

The Foreign Minister also said that Greece opposes revisionism and opposes any attempt to trespass the borders of any sovereign country and is united with its partners in the European Union and NATO allies.but also supports all UN resolutions condemning the invasion.

Further, he stressed that Greece provided Ukraine help and assistance, stressing that this will continue as long as Ukrainians defend themselves against Russian aggression. “We continue to stand for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities and aggressive actions against Ukraine and its people, including against the Greek minority in the country,” he said and stressed that when this war ends, any decision must be based on the fundamental principles of the International law and be enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Nikos Dendias began his greeting by pointing out that February 24 is a sad day for Europe and humanity. “Exactly one year ago, the world witnessed what we believe will never happen again on the European continent. OUR Russia launched a full-scale unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

He then mentioned the importance of today’s ceremony held on the threshold of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Today we have gathered to condemn the illegal actions of Russia against the sovereign state of Ukraine. A clear violation of international law, a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. A threat to peace and stability throughout the world. We express our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who have suffered a lot and continue to suffer. “Thousands of people have lost their lives. Thousands have been displaced. The country’s infrastructure has been destroyed by an invasion that has been repeatedly condemned by the entire international community.”

Finally, he welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, stressing that it reaffirms support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. “Just a few hours ago in New York, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The resolution reaffirms support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. He has rejected any Russian claim to the part of the country he owns.”

Source: RES-IPE