the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today the repatriation of 33 Greek citizens and their family members from Syria.

Specifically, as stated in the announcement, under the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Greek embassies in Damascus and Beirut, the repatriation operation of 33 Greek citizens and their family members from Syria was safely completed today, Monday, December 30.

 Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis had a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar. The two ministers discussed the situation in Syria and agreed to remain in close contact.

The Greek Foreign Minister stressed the urgent need for immediate peace on all fronts and underlined the importance of quickly restoring regional stability, free from any foreign interference.

The Israeli minister, for his part, in a post referred to the content of the discussion he had with his Greek counterpart, underlining the need to urgently protect Syria's minorities, including Kurds, Alawites and Christians.

He expressed his concerns about the fact that the new government in Damascus has not been democratically elected, as well as that “they are now declaring that elections will only be held after 4 years”, while inviting Mr. Gerapetritis to visit Tel Aviv.

In detail in his post he states:

“I spoke with the Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. We discussed the situation in Syria and I underlined the need to urgently protect the minorities of Syria, including the Kurds, the Alawites and the Christians.

I added that the new government in Damascus has not been democratically elected. But even more worrying is the fact that
they are now declaring that elections will only be held after 4 years...

I also stressed Israel’s intention to secure an agreement for the hostages in Gaza.

I invited my Greek colleague to visit Israel soon and we agreed to remain in close contact.”

Europe maintains a stance of wait-and-see, offering well-wishing statements about a smooth democratic transition and the protection of all national and religious minorities in Syria. This is because the downfall of Assad took European capitals by surprise, and they currently have no access to any of the major players involved in the “great game” that has unfolded.

• December 9, 2024
• Published in World

“All my relatives and the rest of the Greeks are locked in their homes. They do not communicate with anyone, not even with each other,” says a Greek-Syrian living in Aleppo

The dramatic developments in Syria have brought the country into a state of absolute chaos, as rebels and jihadists have seized almost all major cities. The fighting continues with unabated intensity, while fear and uncertainty prevail, with thousands of citizens trapped in the vortex of war.

The small Greek community in Syria is facing an unprecedented crisis. Many Greeks, who have lived and worked in the country for decades, have isolated themselves in their homes, following the instructions of the Patriarchate of Antioch and the Greek Embassy. The authorities have recommended that they avoid all travel and remain in safe places, as the situation on the streets is extremely dangerous.

They themselves live in anguish, while they have cut off all types of communication, even through social networks, so as not to expose their location or attract attention. Despite the possibility of evacuation, most say they are determined to remain in the country, considering that being removed from their homes and communities is more dangerous than staying.

Testimony of a Greek-Syrian: “They live locked in their homes”

D.K., a Greek-Syrian who lives in Greece and has relatives in Aleppo, describes the situation in the darkest colors:

“All my relatives and the rest of the Greeks in Aleppo are locked in their homes. They do not communicate with anyone, not even with each other. They live in a state of absolute fear, waiting for developments. The situation is dramatic and we do not know what will happen tomorrow,” he says characteristically.

Until a few days ago, 50 families (about 150 people) lived in Aleppo and 15 in Damascus.

His testimony reveals the harsh reality experienced by the Greek community, which has been cut off from the rest of the world and is watching the development of the situation with horror.

The Patriarchate of Antioch is in constant contact with the Greeks of Syria, providing guidance and support wherever possible. However, limited coordination capabilities, due to the risk in conflict areas, make it difficult to protect the community.

The Greek Embassy is closely monitoring developments, and has already drawn up contingency plans in case the situation deteriorates further. Anxiety for the Greeks in Syria remains at its peak, with families in Greece trying to contact them, often without success.