Greek PM accepts shock resignation of Deputy Foreign Minister

Following the recent controversy over ‘fake’ academic qualification claims in his curriculum vitae, Deputy Foreign Minister responsible for Diaspora Greeks, Antonis Diamataris resigned on Thursday upon landing in Sydney, Australia.

The shock resignation was accepted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who many believed pressured Diamataris, but gave him instead the opportunity to fall on his own sword with dignity rather than be sacked.

The former Deputy Foreign Minister released a statement explaining his reasons that prompted him to resign.

"I have been dealing with the issues of the Greek community for decades. My only concern over the years is to make a contribution to Hellenism. That is why I accepted the proposal of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to take over the portfolio of the Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of Diaspora Greeks."

"In recent days, I have been the recipient of personal attacks that are disorienting and aim to strike at the government and the Prime Minister, whom I love and esteem, as well as undermining my work. For this reason, I have submitted to Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with feelings of personal anguish, my resignation from the post of Deputy Foreign Minister for Diaspora Greeks," said his statement.

Diamataris who is still in Australia, with this secretary and his wife, is expected to fly out immediately as the rest of his schedule has been cancelled.