The outgoing US Ambassador, Geoffrey Pyatt, spoke about the Greek-Turkish crisis of 2020 and revealed unknown aspects. According to him, Greece and Turkey reached the brink of conflict at that time and it was necessary, as he says, to “take action intensively to help to prevent things from getting out of control.”
“What was happening was more dramatic than the image projected by the media,” he said in an interview with Kathimerini.
According to Mr. Pyatt, “you heard US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo say we thought this was a very serious crisis and we worked hard to help keep things under control. Conditions are much better today, despite the continuing unacceptable activities, the overflights, the rhetorical exaggerations, the silly statements questioning the sovereignty of the islands, which from the American side is indisputable.”
On Article 5
“The strategic landscape around the Aegean, the Black Sea, Asia Minor has changed dramatically since February 24, and I think the developments in Ukraine make it more important for the US to do what it can to ensure that Turkey will behave as a good NATO ally towards all its neighbors. “This is not the time for distractions, whether created by politics, rhetoric or military maneuvers.”
Regarding security guarantees, the outgoing US Ambassador to Athens points out that “there is Article 5. You have heard from President Biden a very clear commitment to it and the willingness to provide American forces, equipment and funds to strengthen and to defend this guarantee “.
Asked if it could be implemented “even if the threat comes from within the Alliance”, Mr Pyatt said: “Article 5 is the cornerstone of everything we do in terms of our security relationship with the Greece and NATO “.
Biden – Mitsotakis meeting
Ahead of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s visit to Washington and meeting with Joe Biden, Mr Pyatt said he was aware of the importance for Greece of the invitation, for the US President himself and for the US Government as a whole.
He added that they would discuss, among other things, the ongoing efforts with allies and partners to support the Ukrainian people and impose financial sanctions on Russia for its unprovoked invasion, energy security and cooperation with Greece on natural gas.
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
Bank of Greece Governor Says EU will Retaliate to Trump’s Tarrifs
The Bank of Greece Governor defended the independence of central banks amid criticism from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who had publicly commented on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powel
September in Greece Winning Tourists Over from US, Germany
Tourists continue to visit Greece off-season into Sept. with the number of inbound travelers up by 6.6% and a 7.9% rise in travel receipts.
Bitcoin Surges Toward $100K Amid Pro-Crypto Optimism in US
According to Reuters, the cryptocurrency surged to an all-time high, briefly exceeding $96,898 during Asian trading hours.
Greek Driver Violations at a Touch of a Button
Traffic offences recorded in the last five years by Greece’s “Driver Behavior Control System” are now available on Gov.gr Wallet
Milan Tops List of Most Expensive Streets, Athens’ Ermou Holds Steady at 15th Place
In Athens, following Ermou Street is the southern suburb of Glyfada and Tsimiski Street in Thessaloniki.
New Gov.gr Service Enables Secure Reporting of Minor-Related Delinquency
It should also be noted that via the recently introduced initiative ‘Safe Youth’ application citizens have access to specially tailored informative material regarding the safety of children and adolescents
Thousands Strike in Athens Over Soaring Living Costs and Stagnant Wages
Inflation, particularly in food prices, has been crushing Greek households
Greece Overhauls Property Valuation System
Greece plans to launch a revamped property value registry in 2025 and overhaul the way objective values are calculated to enhance tax revenue and improve transparency.
Greece’s New Tax Bill Foresees Tax Relief Beyond Big Business
Tax relief measures in Greece are proposed for freelancers, property owners and farmers, along with 'big business'
Unions Call Nationwide Industrial Strike for Wed.
Mass transits are usually affected, especially in the greater Athens-Piraeus area, although bus and metro services are curtailed but not fully halted
![Τουρισμός: Πάνω από 5 εκατ. αφίξεις σε καταλύματα τον Σεπτέμβριο [γραφήματα]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/katalymata-90x90.jpg)
