George Tsunis: I am leaving the position, but not the country - What he experienced in Greece, his favorite food
Outgoing US ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis, is leaving his position in a few weeks, but not the country where, as he said, he spent "the best three years" of his life.
George Tsunis, speaking late last night on the Mega television station, stressed that he is leaving the embassy but not from Greece, noting that he will always be by our country's side and will help in any way he can.
"The best three years of my life"
Mr. Tsunis said that he feels "bittersweet" that he is leaving in seven weeks and added that the years of his tenure in Greece were "the best three years of my life".
Referring to US-Greece relations, he described them as excellent, while speaking about Greek-Turkish relations, he said that the situation in the Aegean is calm now, and it is better for both Greece and Turkey. He added that the US wants the resolution of the Greek-Turkish differences through diplomatic means because the alternative is unthinkable, as he said. He estimated that as long as they cannot be resolved, they can be defused, and described stability as an important priority for the United States. He expressed the hope that nothing will change in relations with Greece after the election of Donald Trump, and said that in the last 15 years, things have been good, and relations have been better between the US and Greece.
Mr. Tsunis described Greece as an important strategic partner of the US in the region, while noting that the values that the US respects, such as democracy, were born in Greece.
Speaking on a personal tone, he referred to his family, to his ancestral home in Mountainous Nafpaktia, while he spoke with great emotion about his father, whom he lost many years ago.
Referring to his tenure in Greece, he said that there was no conflict of interest between the US and Greece, while noting that the first advice he received as ambassador was that he should be "buttoned up", because he is not a professional diplomat.
He also expressed his satisfaction with the acceptance he experiences from Greeks, when he visits various parts of the country and in Athens. In addition, he commented that Greece should be a "beacon of opportunities", like the US, and that children should have opportunities, so that they can become the best version of themselves.
Referring to the war in Ukraine, he described it as a “complete tragedy,” but pointed out that no matter how tragic the situation is, it would be worse if the war spread.
He expressed pride in Greece, which, while 12 years ago it was the “black sheep” of Europe, as he said, has changed today, emerging from this situation as the fastest growing country with a growth rate three times that of the eurozone and is doing very well. He also stressed the need to create an innovation ecosystem and said that there is interest from American universities to come to Greece.
Asked about the Parthenon sculptures, George Tsunis said that ancient objects must return to their place of origin.
Finally, he praised the beauties of Greece, expressed his admiration for the areas he visited, both at sea and in the mountains, said that he does not forget his roots, and mentioned that his favorite food is psarosoupa - fish soup.
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
