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U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's weekend visit to Greece yielded a revised defense agreement and a warning to Turkey.
Greece has become a mainstay of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region, and Pompeo announced his disapproval of Turkish drilling for hydrocarbons in the water, as well as its provocative actions in the economic zone of Cyprus, the Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported.
"We have told the Turks that illegal drilling is unacceptable and we'll continue to take diplomatic actions to make sure that we do, as we do always, ensure that lawful activity takes place," Pompeo said during a joint press conference with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias.
"We want to make sure that rules govern international exploration in the Mediterranean Sea's energy resources and that no country can hold Europe hostage."
Pompeo and Greek Prime Minister Kyrialos Mitsatakis also signed a protocol of amendment to the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement between the two countries.
The amendment refers to use of two Greek air bases and the port of Alexandroupoli. It also allows the United States to further expand a deep-water naval base on the island of Crete, used by the U.S. Navy's Sixth Fleet on Crete and install fleets of drones at the air bases.
The work will benefit the Greek armed forces, which endured budget cuts during the country's long-running debt crisis.
Greece, a NATO member state since 1952, has a new strategic importance as a key partner on Europe's southern flank and the energy-rich Mediterranean Sea, officials say.
Greece can be 'pillar' for regional stability: Pompeo
Athens (AFP) Oct 5, 2019 -
Shrugging off anti-US demonstrations on a visit Saturday to Athens, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Greece can be a pillar of stability in a troubled region.
Pompeo is in Greece to underline support for a NATO ally and reinforce cooperation, signing an amendment to a mutual defence cooperation agreement, sources for both governments said.
"This is a dynamic region, with lots going on, lots of change taking place and we are very confident that together, we can work to ensure that Greece can be a pillar for stability in this region," said Pompeo, hailing a relationship that "has truly never been stronger."
Thousands of demonstrators outside the Greek parliament begged to differ, some brandishing a huge banner reading "Pompeo go home."
His visit comes amid Greek concerns to which Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis alluded -- Turkish drilling off EU member Cyprus.
The discovery of huge gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean has triggered a race to tap the region's resources and sparked a dispute between Turkey and Cyprus.
"The United States has a special interest in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Cyprus only asks for the obvious, the implementation of international law.
"I expect the positive contribution of the United States, which will eventually lead to the creation of a more constructive and productive environment in the region," Mitsotakis added.
Turkey has had troops stationed in Cyprus since 1974 when it invaded and occupied its northern third after a coup sponsored by the military junta then ruling Greece.
As well as holding talks with Mitsotakis, who took office in July, Pompeo was also meeting Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias and Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos.
Pompeo refused to address questions from reporters on allegations that President Donald Trump pressured Ukraine for political favours, a claim which has launched an impeachment investigation.
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