Several Greeks remain trapped in the United Arab Emirates, while the Middle East is “ablaze” with a Cretan describing his experiences in Dubai, where he has become trapped, while also highlighting the response he received from the Greek embassy.
Read: Greek in Dubai: We are trapped – Airspace and all airports have closed (Video)
Greek embassy response to Cretan trapped in Dubai: “We don’t have a curfew, evacuation has not been decided”
Speaking to Flashnews.gr from Dubai where he has become trapped, Rethymno resident Yannis Stathourakis stated among other things that Greeks who have been stranded in the potentially war-torn area are requesting the formation of a specific repatriation plan and notes that “with airports operating at reduced capacity and flights being cancelled en masse, our stay here as ‘prisoners’ in a war zone is dangerous…”
As he said, he sent a related request which states the following:
“Urgent request for Repatriation Plan and substantial assistance for Greek citizens in the UAE
Dear Sirs,
With this letter we express our strong protest regarding the virtual reality presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about ‘security guarantees’, while dozens of Greek citizens find ourselves trapped in the United Arab Emirates under wartime conditions.
While Dubai’s sky was lit up by missile interceptions and airspace was closing, the Greek state was essentially absent. Specifically: Negligence by Consular Authorities: The Embassy in Abu Dhabi responded to phone calls only after our persistent and repeated calls, proving that there was no ready emergency mechanism for informing citizens. The relevant instructions are for us to remain in closed spaces until further notice and fill out a repatriation form without any information about the existence of shelters or a related safety plan for Greek Citizens.
Immediate Repatriation Request: We demand now the formation of a specific repatriation plan. With airports operating at reduced capacity and flights being cancelled en masse, our stay here as ‘prisoners’ in a war zone is dangerous.
Care for the Trapped: We demand immediate securing of accommodation and food for fellow citizens who have been trapped without any direction, as many people’s resources are being exhausted.
Government Mockery: It is at least paradoxical to declare that you guarantee our safety in a foreign country under attack, when there is no immediate plan, direction or information.
Citizens’ safety is not ensured with press releases, but with actions. We request the Ministry’s immediate commitment to our safe return”.
Embassy response: “Your flight has simply been postponed”
However, the response to the request he received from the Greek embassy left him speechless. As stated: “The instructions are to avoid unnecessary travel. Therefore necessary travel can be made. We don’t have a curfew, as you can see for yourselves. Any evacuation to nearby countries is not done on an individual basis but collectively. Evacuation has not been decided. There are no conditions that justify it. Your flight has simply been postponed. The UAE does not participate in any war”.
Gerapetritis: What he told embassy heads
On Sunday, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis held a teleconference with the heads of Greece’s Embassies and Consulates in Iran and the Middle East. The Foreign Minister was briefed on the extremely difficult situation prevailing in the field. The meeting focused on issues concerning the safety of Greek citizens, their accommodation and the management of repatriation requests, which are submitted through a relevant platform that has been activated for each Authority.
Mr. Gerapetritis gave instructions for the immediate and safe return of citizens who wish to do so as soon as air traffic is restored. Finally, he asked that our Diplomatic Missions remain in full vigilance and in constant communication with Greeks in the area.
Read more at flashnews.gr
