A high-level diplomatic source in Greece categorically denied on Monday media reports claiming that the United States had issued a representation to Athens due to its position on Venezuela
ATHENS (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 04th February, 2019) A high-level diplomatic source in Greece categorically denied on Monday media reports claiming that the United States had issued a representation to Athens due to its position on Venezuela.The US Hellas Journal reported that US President Donald Trump's administration issued a formal protest to Athens, saying that the Greek government had not taken a "responsible position" regarding the political crisis in Venezuela.
"There is no representation on the part of the United States," the source said.
On January 24, Greece's ruling Syriza party said it backed Nicolas Maduro as the legitimate president and spoke out against what it considered to be a coup in Venezuela. The official position of the government, announced by Greek Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs George Katrougalos almost a week later on January 29. is that it supports a "political dialogue" in Venezuela, but does not provide clarity on Athens' view on the legitimacy of opposition leader Juan Guaido.
Tensions in Venezuela escalated nearly two weeks ago when Guaido declared himself interim president, disputing last year's re-election of Maduro. The opposition leader was almost immediately recognized by the United States and several other countries. Russia, China, Mexico, Turkey and Uruguay are among the nations that have voiced their support for Maduro as the country's legitimately elected president.
