Greek Ambassador Responds to Senator’s Letter
Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) today (26/3/15) announced that he has released his hold – which prevents legislation from passing via unanimous consent – on the Senate’s annual resolution celebrating Greek Independence Day.
Christos Panagopoulos, Ambassador of Greece to the United States, today responded to a letter Coats sent earlier this week expressing concern about recent statements made by Panos Kammenos, the Minister of Defense of Greece.
“I appreciate Ambassador Panagopoulos’s response to my letter,” said Coats. “He indicated that, ‘Greece remains committed to cooperating closely with its EU partners, within the Schengen area, on issues like protection of EU borders, management of migratory flows, asylum, in accordance with relevant EU regulations, directives and international law.’ With that reassurance, I have lifted my hold on the Senate resolution celebrating Greek Independence Day.”
Earlier this month, Minister Kammenos threatened Greece’s European Union partners, warning that Greece would issue travel documents to thousands of illegal immigrants – including jihadists – now held in Greek detention centers unless Greece’s economic demands are met. Coats asked for Ambassador Panagopoulos or a senior spokesman of the Greek government to publicly comment on these threatening statements and clarify whether they reflect current Greek government policy.
Senator Coats served as U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany from 2001 to 2005.
