Greece’s Governmental Council for National Security (KYSEA) convened an emergency session at 6:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, following the latest developments in the Middle East and Iran.
“Our absolute priority is the safety of Greek citizens who are in the region. From the very first moment, all mechanisms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were activated for their protection and support, while we remain in constant coordination with allies and partners,” Mitsotakis said on Sunday.
The Greek Premier on Saturday spoke on the telephone with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to discuss the security situation.
“Today I am continuing contacts with leaders of the region, aiming at coordination and the exchange of assessments regarding the latest developments,” he added.
The US naval base on Souda Bay, Crete, was reportedly sealed on Saturday and applied extra precautions as Iran’s Guardians of the Revolution warned of retaliatory strikes on US military targets in the region.
Greece monitoring Middle East developments during Iran offensive
“The Greek government is monitoring developments in Iran and the wider region of the Middle East closely and with concern,” a Greek foreign ministry announcement stressed. Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis was in constant communication with his counterparts in allied countries over the events.
“It is common ground that control of the nuclear and ballistic missile program, so that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon, is a necessary condition for stability and peace in the region,” it was added. The Greek foreign ministry urged that the protection of the civilian population, as well as respect for international law and the rights of citizens, must be of primary concern.
Particular focus was also put on ensuring that freedom of navigation in the area is protected. The Greek shipping community is on heightened alert following the latest escalation of military operations in the region of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, AMNA reports.
Qatar’s Ministry of Transport has advised shipowners to temporarily suspend navigation in the wider area for safety reasons. Furthermore, the Operations Centre of the Hellenic Coast Guard has issued an updated advisory to the shipping community whilst it continues to monitor the situation with the aim of ensuring the highest possible level of protection for Greek shipping and crews operating in the area.
Safety of Greek citizens on land and at sea a priority for Greece
“Since this morning, we have been in constant contact and coordination with allies and partners in order to develop a common line. Our priority and primary concern is the protection of Greek citizens in these areas,” Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said on Saturday.
“Telephone lines are already operating so that all citizens can contact us. I urge Greek citizens in the area to remain in a safe place and follow the instructions of our respective embassies. If required, the Greek State, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has already prepared a plan for the evacuation of the area,” he stressed.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy is also in contact with the Greek-flagged ships in the Persian Gulf and is ensuring that there is constant communication. “We are in a position to assure that the Greek State will also maintain a principled stance for the safety of all Greeks in this case,” Gerapetritis concluded.
Consular assistance for citizens of Greece in the Middle East
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated the Crisis Management Unit to provide consular assistance to those in need, while Greek diplomatic missions in the disputed areas are on alert. The emergency phone lines +30 2103681730 and +30 2103681350 (Cryptographic Service) have been activated in order to provide consular aid to Greek citizens who need it with respect to the situation in the Middle East, while Greek diplomatic missions in those areas are on standby.
“We urge Greek citizens to be especially cautious and to keep in contact with our embassies and consulates. If necessary, there will be a coordinated repatriation operation,” the announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded.
Flights between Greece and Middle East canceled
More than twenty flights departing from Athens international airport to destinations in the Middle East have been canceled or diverted due to the hostilities that have broken out in the region. The number of cancellations is expected to increase, depending on developments, as countries such as Israel, Iran, Iraq, parts of Syria, Bahrain, and Doha close their air space, AMNA reports.
Aegean Airlines has canceled all flights for the coming week to and from several destinations in the region, including Tel Aviv, Beirut, Erbil International Airport in Iraq, Baghdad, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation and will adjust its flight schedule as needed. Passengers affected by the cancelations will receive a message informing them whether they are eligible for a refund, a credit voucher, or a free change to their travel dates.
Greek airline Sky Express also announced the cancelation of its flights between Athens and Tel Aviv airports on Sunday and Monday after Israel closed its airspace. The airline is offering affected passengers the option to either accept a voucher to rebook on a new date or to request a refund.
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