Foreign Ministry spokesperson Efstratios Efthymiou stated the following in response to a journalist’s question regarding a provocative banner hung during the Albania-Switzerland soccer match:
“The hanging of a banner with provocative and incendiary content at the Albania-Switzerland soccer match constitutes a brazen act. This provocation flagrantly violates the regulations of UEFA, which is responsible for preventing the hanging of slogans of provocative content, and which should take immediate measures to punish those responsible.
The Greek government is already proceeding to stern expressions of protest to UEFA and the French organizers, from whom we expect explanations as to why, despite the increased security measures, the provocative banner in question was allowed to be brought into the stadium. A representation is also being made to the Albanian government, whom we expect to condemn this unacceptable and provocative action.
It is obvious that these provocative actions are being carried out by marginal groups that are displeased at the Greek-Albanian rapprochement and at the Albanian Foreign Ministry’s official admission that there is no “Chameria” issue.
June 11, 2016