UPDATE - Italian diplomat’s car set on fire in Greek capital

UPDATES HEADLINE, DECK; ADDS DETAILS, OTHER CHANGES

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) - An Italian diplomat’s car was set on fire in the Greek capital Athens, but no one was hurt, local media reported on Friday.

The incident took place in the Pagagou neighborhood early on Friday, according to the state-run AMNA news agency.

Police rushed to the scene and found the remnants of a flammable device. They also launched an investigation into the incident.

According to Italy's state-run ANSA news agency, the car belonged to Susanna Schlein, the first counselor of the Italian Embassy in Athens and the sister of Elly Schlein, a prominent Italian lawmaker.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the attack, praising Schein having escaped harm.

Anarchists were probably behind the attack, he said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep concern over the attack and said anarchists were likely responsible.

The Greek Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack, calling it "unacceptable and reprehensible."

But such incidents will not harm the “excellent relations” between Greece and Italy, said a ministry statement.

Panagiotis Theodorikakos, Greece's civil protection minister, assured Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi that Greek authorities will do their best to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.