The withdrawal of the Consulate General of Greece in Mariupol, Ukraine was requested through a protest outside the building of the Consulate by the Federation of Greek Associations in Ukraine. This is one of the largest Greek Diaspora organizations in the former USSR and many representatives from Ukraine’s four provinces are covered by the Consulate.
“We are saddened that we had to get this far, but our action is not directed against Greece or its government, but against a certain diplomat, who is a shame to Greece and cannot represent it”, Alexandra Prochenko stated to ANA – MPA, who is the President of the Federation.
“Stop the insults”, “Respect our rights”, were some of the protests expressed by around 150 people who surrounded the consulate, denouncing incidents of violation of conduct standards and a regime of suspicion and creation of “second grade citizens”, which according to the testimonies, hinders the operation of the Consulate.
“We are not going to cooperate with this lady and we appeal to the President of the Hellenic Republic, who has visited us and knows our efforts to keep Hellenism alive in our regions, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign affairs to take a stand”, mentioned the speakers and people who were gathered at the protest, who adopted a resolution addressed to the Ukrainian Authorities as well, seeking intervention for the withdrawal of the Greek Consul General.
The peaceful rally and protest was covered by several Ukrainian media organizations. In a telephone conversation that ANA – MPA had with the Consul General in Mariupol, Sophia Malli characterized the accusations made against her as unfounded and noted that she works according to the framework and commitments of the Shengen Treaty and in accordance with the instructions of her seniors.
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