Greece’s opposition parties are formally demanding clarification regarding reports of potential threats against Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou by US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle. Politico Europe reported the conversation occurred during a dinner in Athens in March. According to the article, Ambassador Guilfoyle allegedly stated that the United States could cause similar political upheaval in any country, including Greece, while discussing the expected fall of Romania’s government. Mr. Papastavrou responded that the US could not replace the Greek government due to its democratic election process. Guilfoyle’s lawyer has denied the account of the conversation presented in The Wall Street Journal’s publication. The US State Department spokesperson stated that the United States values its strategic partnership with Romania, including in the areas of energy security and defense burden-sharing. Romania’s government collapsed following a social-democrat and far-right opposition move, and the government has been led by a centrist government. The left-wing Elas party called for immediate response, with PASOK stressing the government’s denial of threats against Papastavrou. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis affirmed the government’s denial of any threats and urged immediate action.
Source: UA
