Alternate FM Flogaitis participates in the International Conference for the victims of ethnic and religious violence in the Middle East (Paris, 8 September 2015)

The Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs, Professor Spyros Flogaitis, represented Greece at the International Conference for the victims of ethnic and religious violence in the Middle East, which took place in Paris, with the participation of 24 Foreign Minister from 60 countries.

In his remarks, Mr. Flogaitis underscored that “in the Middle East, there has been and continues to be a variety of ethnic, religious and cultural groups coexisting harmoniously. In fact, the presence of the Orthodox Patriarchates in the region also echoes the historical presence of Hellenism.”

Referring to the refugees reaching Greece, Mr. Flogaitis said that “the country is receiving thousands of refugees on its territory every day, mainly from Syria, and is fulfilling its responsibilities arising from international law regarding the handling of the refugees. The waves of influx  will fall off only if the situation in the Middle East improves.”

French President François Hollande also addressed the conference, speaking of the multicultural nature of the Middle East and the need for peaceful coexistence of ethnic and religious groups.

September 9, 2015