The US Ambassador to Greece, H.E. George Tsunis, emphasized the intention of the US to help facilitate discussions and improve relations between Greece and Turkey, if requested.
He stressed that he is excited by the depth of the relations netween the two governments, Greece and Turkey, which, he said, are ready to talk with the aim of de-escalating tensions in their relations, which he expects to see even more after the elections. As he noted, this will benefit both countries and emphasized the need to emphasize diplomacy with the aim of peaceful coexistence.
George J. Tsunis: An ambassador that “has the ear” of the US President
He emphasized, however, that the threats of the Turkish press against Greece are an insult to the dignity of the nation. However, he emphasized that in an election year many things are said and there must be a choice in the meaning given, while he emphasized that they were not followed by relevant actions. “The two countries have been next to each other for millennia [sic]. There are good diplomats and efforts must be made to coexist peacefully without meaning that we can solve all problems” he noted and referred to the good relations he maintains with his Turkish counterparts, stressing that “We must leave behind rhetoric and annoyances”. He also mentioned that there are issues in communication from time to time, which may be accompanied by misinterpretations and excessive reactions.
When asked about the purchase of F16s by Turkey, he noted that the day will come when the country will be able to receive the aircraft when the tensions and grievances will be a thing of the past. “The US and Turkey have traditionally had close relations. We hope that we will return to those days of close cooperation”, stressed Mr. Tsunis, while underlining that Europe should “treat Turkey better. We should be able to coexist peacefully.” At the same time, he noted that it is particularly important for the US to ensure that Greece receives the F35s.
Greek-American relations
Answering a question about the internal political scene of the country and relations with the USA after the elections, he emphasized that the American government maintains amazing cooperation with the Greek government, making it clear that this will not change, whatever the outcome of the upcoming elections. At the same time, he recalled that this excellent cooperation has been maintained for over a decade despite four different governments.
Speaking on Greek-American relations during the 8th Delphi Economic Forum, he referred to the significant investments that American companies have made in the country, as well as the collaborations of the universities of the two countries, especially in the field of research, and made special mention of the upgraded role that Greece will play on the energy chessboard in the coming years.
Finally, speaking about the developments related to the war in Ukraine, he noted that a clear message must be sent that no autocratic leader will be given the right to change borders, while he underlined the important role that Greece will have in the effort to reconstruct Ukraine.
Latest News
Oxford Economics Report: Greek Economy is Just Below Risk Zone
However, the report points to a persistent challenge in the form of commercial credit risk, which remains high at 8 out of 10, ranking Greece 104th internationally
Deadline for Postal Vote Registration Expires on Mon.
More than 157,000 Greek citizens had registered on the relevant online platform so far
Orthodox Palm Sunday Today; Shops Open in Greater Athens-Piraeus Area
Orthodox Holy Week begins on Monday, April 29, and ends on Sunday, Easter Sunday or Great and Holy Pascha (May 5)
Greek Retailers Remain Optimistic About Easter Shoppers’ Turnout
While stores are expected to be open on Sunday, April 28, the majority of Easter shoppers will likely do their shopping during the Holy Week, following the deposit of Easter bonuses
Europeche: Greek Apricot Production Recovers
Europeche forecasts the production will bounce back despite a slight decrease in varieties attributed to high winter temperatures
Bank of Greece (BoG): Business-Household Deposits Up 1,675bln in March 2024
In March 2024, the monthly net flow of credit to the general government was negative by 469 million euros
FT: Greece’s Economic Rebound a Balance of Growth and Poverty
Eurostat data revealed a significant 10.8% drop in Greek public debt relative to GDP in 2023, alongside a 2% economic expansion, outpacing Germany's performance.
Lavrio Port Authority Next Up for Privatization
A deadline for the submission of expressions of interest is May 14, 2024
Eurostat: Greece Records Largest Drop in Natural Gas Prices in 2nd Half of 2023
The price of electricity and natural gas in Europe was down following a substantial surge that began before the Russian invasion of Ukraine and peaked in 2022
GEK TERNA Still Considers Leveraging Concessions Portfolio as Financial Tool
President and CEO of Gek Terna George Peristeris explained the company's plans on Tuesday on the sidelines of the inauguration of sections of Greece's E65 highway