Ambassador to Greece Urges Improved Relations

U. S. Ambassador to Greece Nicholas Burns spoke about the future of diplomatic relations between the United States and Greece last night at the Kennedy School of Government (KSG).

The event, which drew approximately 100 people, was co-sponsored by the Hellenic American Women's Council and the Kokkalis Program, which provides fellowships for students from the Balkans.

Burns opened his speech with an expression of American gratitude to Greek culture.

"We owe them our intellectual inheritance," he said.

Burns then moved on to the focus of his speech, stressing the necessity of enhancing diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Greece and outlining six initiatives to improve them.

"Our very first priority is to strengthen a relationship that should be as close as it can be," Burns said.

"Happily U.S. and Greek issues are tending to converge now," he said.

As the first element of the movement toward improved relations, Burns advocated the establishment of strong personal relationships between leaders.

"We have to set up mechanisms to make sure we are talking to one another," Burns said.

Burns also recommended that the two countries examine their economic relationship. Burns said he believes that in the post Cold War world political situation, international relations are based on economic relations, not strategic ones.

He was critical of the lack of American involvement in the Greek economy, but said the Greek government was partially responsible.

"I think the history of the economic philosophy of the Greek government has something to do with it," Burns said.

But Burns said Greece has made great economic advances in recent years.

"Greece is bringing itself into alignment with the European Union," he said.

Burns also focused on military relations. "NATO is the solemn fundamental keystone of our relationship," Burns said.

Along with improved military interaction, Burns believes the U.S. needs to cooperate with Greece to keep peace in Europe. Burns asked for Greek assistance in dealing with the current Kosovo situation. Combating Greek terrorism intended for U.S. targets within Greece was another of Burns' initiatives.

"I strongly believe that the current Greek government wants to do something about the problem," he said.

Terrorism aimed at the U.S. started in Greece in 1975 with the assassination of an American diplomat. According to Burns, terrorism against Americans has continued unchecked by the Greek government.

"The diplomatic landscape is littered with the corpses of American statesmen," Burns said.

The last initiative concerns relationships between Cyprus, Turkey and Greece. Burns said he believes this initiative is the most important issue.

"The challenge here is for the U.S. not to take sides," Burns said.

Burns stressed compromise in resolving the conflict in the Mediterranean over the sovereignty of disputed islands. "Happily U.S. and Greek issues are tending to converge now." Ambassador Nicholas Burns