Greek Protestors Burn U.S. Flag at Rally Against Pompeo’s Visit
More than 1,500 people gathered in Greece’s second largest city of Thessaloniki on Monday for two separate demonstrations against the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The protests were organised by left-wing groups and the Communist party.
Protesters demonstrated in the centre of the city and they burned a US flag outside the US consulate where riot police were on alert.
Pompeo began a five-day regional tour in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, days after Greece and Turkey committed to restarting a diplomatic dialogue on the dispute that triggered a dangerous military build-up – and fears of military conflict – in the disputed maritime area over the summer.
The United States and Greece “reiterated their dedication to enhancing their close cooperation as NATO allies, using all appropriate means at their disposal, in order to safeguard stability and security in the wider region,” the two countries said in a joint statement after Pompeo met with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias.
Relations between Greece and neighboring Turkey deteriorated sharply this year over disputed maritime boundaries and exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean.
Pompeo’s regional tour will also include Italy, the Vatican and Croatia.
Later Monday, he departed to the Greek island of Crete where he is scheduled to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and visit a US naval base at Souda Bay.
Last October, Pompeo visited Athens and signed a revised defence cooperation agreement with Greece that provided for increasing joint US-Greece and NATO activity at three locations in Greece as well as infrastructure and other improvements at Souda Bay.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2TwO8Gm
QUICKTAKE ON SOCIAL:
Follow QuickTake on Twitter: twitter.com/quicktake
Like QuickTake on Facebook: facebook.com/quicktake
Follow QuickTake on Instagram: instagram.com/quicktake
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://bit.ly/2FJ0oQZ
Email us at [email protected]
QuickTake by Bloomberg is a global news network delivering up-to-the-minute analysis on the biggest news, trends and ideas for a new generation of leaders.
source
