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Divers from the Greek army chanted racist slogans against foreigners in Greece during the official National Day parade on March 25 in Athens. Video shot on Panepistimio Blvd shows divers shouting: "You are born Greek, you cannot become one” and “We will spill some blood you Albanian pig”. 

"It is clear the question is raised of the level of training, of dangerous stereotypes that are hatched or incited to be reproduced in every company, which has taken responsibility for the security of the country. But it is necessary to distinguish the operating mode and the extreme, hatred and racism in any form. These gentlemen have no place in the marines," said Minister of Public Protection Michalis Chrisochoidis. Currently an investigation is opened to establish who gave the tone of the racist slogans chanting. 

The controversial incident sparked protests by representatives of Albanian NGOs in front of the Greek Embassy in Tirana. They stated that Greece is a shame for the European Union. Albanian Foreign Minister Mr. Meta also reacted angrily to the incident saying it was outrageous and reprehensible, but noted he appreciates the quick response of the Greek Government, stressing that relations between the two countries will continue to evolve. 

For his part, the Greek Ambassador in Albania Nikolaos Pazios expressed regret for the incident and confirmed that the Greek government will examine the case in detail and will punish the divers.