Senior Greek diplomat resigns, complains of exclusion from talks with Turkiye
According to Kathimerini the reason, as he stated in his resignation letter submitted Friday, was his exclusion from the Greek delegation from bilateral talks held in Athens on November 8 and led by Foreign Ministers George Gerapetritis and Hakan Fidan.
In his letter, Koundouros notes that his counterpart in the Turkish Foreign Ministry was present. He also notes that his input had not been sought in matters related to bilateral relations as well as Turkish relations with the EU.
Foreign ministry “diplomatic sources” said that Koundouros, due to retire in a month’s time, was about to be replaced in his post by the current head of the Greek-Turkish affairs directorate, who was present at the talks.
The same sources said that the ministry leadership had always consulted with Koundouros and that their trust was manifested in the fact that Gerapetritis allowed him to stay in his post for a year after reaching retirement age.
