The Greek Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning Turkey’s personal attack on the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou for the remarks she made during the event at the “Mikis Theodorakis” cultural and conference center in Argyroupoli where she presented the design of the future hall for the world Pontic Greeks of Sourmena.
“Despite their tragic history which includes persecutions, massacres and violent attempts at Islamization, the Pontic Greeks who left their homes in Asia Minor as refugees” brought to Greece their drive and their values - their loyalty to country, family, community and traditions, their hard work and tireless inventiveness,” said Sakellaropoulou.
In response, the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the Greek president by name:
“We regret the baseless claims and remarks misrepresenting our recent history expressed by Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of Greece, during an event to present the design of the ‘Hall of the Global Pontic Greeks of Sourmena’, planned to be built in Elliniko-Agrirupoli, district of Athens.
“The false accusations frequently made by Greece cloud the efforts to establish a sincere and honest dialogue for the settlement of the problems between the two countries.
“Such attitudes and behaviors are incompatible with the responsibilities expected of state officials. In this context, we once again urge our neighbor Greece to adhere to common sense and constructive understanding.
on the remarks she made about the future construction of the “Hall of the Global Pontic Greeks of Sourmena”, which should be built in Athens”, read the Turkish statement.
The Greek Foreign Ministry was quick to rebuke Turkish diplomatic malpractice:
“Once again, in violation of the most basic rules of diplomatic practice, Turkey is rebelling against a senior Greek official, in this case against the President of the Hellenic Republic.
“Unfortunately, the Turkish side once again distorts reality and conceals not only what happened in the past but also its ongoing policy, which daily violates international law, creating tension and poisoning the climate between the two countries. .
“Greece, while rejecting Turkish claims in their entirety, stresses that the recognition of historical truth and the reconciliation of nations with their past constitute a moral leap forward in overcoming the differences between peoples and a guarantee of their coexistence. peaceful for the future.” read the statement from the Greek Foreign Ministry.
