Following systematic and coordinated diplomatic actions taken by the Foreign Ministry and the Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv towards the Israeli authorities, and in cooperation with the latter, the procedures for the repatriation of the Greek passengers of the vessel “Estelle” – including two Greek MPs – proceeded very smoothly and quickly.
Within the framework of relevant instructions from the Foreign Minister, the Greek Ambassador to Israel, Kyriakos Loukakis, met in the early morning hours with the Greek citizens, in the town of Holon, where they are being detained, and confirmed that they are all in good health.
The five Greek citizens will return today on Olympic Air flight OA302 from Tel Aviv. Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos contacted them during their departure.
They will be met on their arrival in Athens by the Director of the Greek Foreign Ministry’s Directorate for Arab Countries and the Middle East, Ambassador Eleni Sourani.
October 20, 2012