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Washington Update | Assistant Secretary Mitchell Testifies to Senate Subcommittee on U.S. Policy in Europe
The Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation held a hearing entitled, "U.S. Policy in Europe," yesterday. Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs A. Wess Mitchell provided testimony. Subcommittee Chairman Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) presided.
In his prepared testimony to the Subcommittee, Assistant Secretary Mitchell stated, "... we are constructing a long-term strategy to bolster the U.S. presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. We are cultivating Greece as an anchor of stability in the Mediterranean and Western Balkans and working to systematically strengthen security and energy cooperation with Cyprus." watch video
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Editor's Note: Editorials, Commentaries, and Opinion pieces are shared for information purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the Order of AHEPA, its affiliated organizations, and members.
Greek leader dons tie in sartorial relief over bailout end
Associated Press (June 22)
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has donned a tie, for the first time in more than three years in office, to celebrate the debt relief deal agreed by the country's creditors. Tsipras sported the burgundy tie with a white shirt and blue suit during a speech Friday to lawmakers from his left-led coalition government in Athens. read more Read: Eurogroup Statement MacroPolis analysis
Greece's Creditors Agree to Landmark Debt Deal as Bailout Saga Ends
Bloomberg (June 21)
Greece's euro-area creditors struck a landmark deal to ease repayment terms on some of the nation's mountain of debt, clearing the way for the country to exit the lifeline that's kept it afloat since 2010. The debt compromise reached in Luxembourg by the bloc's finance ministers comes after months of acrimonious talks and just as the Mediterranean nation is set to leave its bailout program in August. A deal to ease Greek debt has long been seen as a key ingredient in the country's successful return to economic health and foray back into financial markets. read more WSJ: Deal Falls Short of What IMF Says Is Necessary to End Doubts About Country's Long-Term Solvency
S&P raises Greece's rating after debt deal with Euro Zone
Reuters (June 25)
S&P Global Ratings raised long-term debt rating on Greece as it sees reduction in debt risks due to creation of cash buffers and extension of maturity on its debts. The rating agency raised its long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Greece to 'B+' from 'B'. read more Moody's: Debt deal a credit positive for Greece
Cyprus turns off taps to farmers as fresh water levels drop
NBC News (June 22)
The salty water of the Mediterranean in plain view from Charis Christoforou's olive farm is no help to the cracked, white earth suffering from a third year of drought. A shortage of rain combined with clouds of dust carried over from the water-starved Middle East has slashed Christoforou's olive production to a quarter of what it was less than two decades ago. Even cactuses are struggling to survive. read more
Cyprus, Israel, Greece pledge deeper military ties
Tampa Bay Times (June 22)
Cyprus, Israel and Greece must forge deeper military ties to improve security and more effectively counter common threats in a turbulent region, the countries' defense ministers said Friday. Cypriot Minister Savvas Angelides and his Israeli and Greek counterparts Avigdor Lieberman and Panos Kammenos said they also seek to expand cooperation on cybersecurity, joint military drills and search and rescue operations in the eastern Mediterranean. read more
Greek carrier Aegean signs $5 billion order for Airbus A320 neo planes
Ekathimerini (June 22)
Greece's largest carrier Aegean Airlines signed a $5 billion deal with Airbus for up to 42 aircraft to renew its fleet of single-aisle planes, stay competitive and add capacity for future expansion. It is the largest order by a Greek carrier and third time Aegean has invested in new aircraft since launching operations 19 years ago. Seeking to reduce maintenance and fuel costs, Aegean, a member of the Star Alliance airline group, had been considering the Airbus A320neo or Boeing's 737 MAX. It picked Airbus in late March. read more
Sting: Thank God for Greece Because you Have Shown the Way; Once Again Greece Has Shown us How to be Civilized
Pappas Post (June 23)
British rocker Sting has coming out swinging at unnamed "world leaders" calling them "half-men" and their actions "barbaric," while heaping praise on Greece for "showing the way" and showing the world "how to be civilized." His remarks came while he was in Athens for two historic concerts at the ancient Herodion theater at the foot of the Acropolis at an event organized by Amnesty International. read more
