Recall that even Mr Constantine Mitsotakis, despite the fact that it is known who maintained friendly relations with Germany over time (especially Mr Genscher), during the premiership of Greek-American relations developed to the fullest. In fact on the day we were the first U.S. president to visit Greece after the restoration of George Bush Sr., in the summer of 1991.
Α. Papandreou, who succeeded him as prime minister in October 1993, despite the anti-American rhetoric at times during the premiership of the years 1981-1986, made new steps approach and cooperation with Washington. Perceptive, excellent knowledge of foreign policy and geopolitical, Andreas Papandreou "startled" by the mutation that occurs to see the European Union.
Indeed, in one summit, the last found as prime minister, returned so frustrated by the behavior of our partners and especially the Germans who spoke Directorate and catalysis of the European idea. This contributed to his decision to approach the U.S., which culminated with a visit to Washington and meeting with then U.S. President Bill Clinton.
The big upset was the assumption of the premiership of Costas Simitis. For eight years from 1996 to 2004, Greece and Germany came for the first time so close. Large business and government commissions went to German interests companies, Siemens dominated everywhere.
Mr. Simitis, through his brother Spyros has strengthened its relations with the German political and economic establishment, began to take long distance from the U.S., particularly on economic cooperation. In return, he succeeded in having the support of the then Chancellor, Mr. Schroeder made the "blind eye" to the "weird" elements with which he joined the euro in Greece. Indeed, Mr. Stournaras, current Minister of Finance, then played a leading role in the negotiations was the right hand of Mr. Simitis.
Kostas Karamanlis attempted to apply a multidimensional policy of economic diplomacy. Gave OTE to Deutsche Telecom, the port of Piraeus (the freight sector) and the Chinese planned a broad energy cooperation with the Russians. Also continued to promote American relations, which are not disrupted despite interception against the Prime Minister. It is common knowledge that the investigations of the Greek side, just discovered the affair, "stumbled" on the U.S. embassy.
George Papandreou, who succeeded Karamanlis had the image favored in Washington. Some who ignore the facts and all that happened during his premiership, yet this picture.
But is it? These events lead to the opposite.
George Papandreou brought to Greece the IMF, in which there is a strong U.S. influence. He did however hint with the Germans.
In early 2010, the Germans wanted to involve the IMF in Greece's debt crisis for two reasons. Firstly because it had similar support mechanism in Europe and secondly not to assume alone the cost of the rescue. Besides, they were sure that they would have complete control and would turn Greece into a country integrated into their own sphere of influence.
When the IMF and the then President Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn set the 2010 issue of debt haircut then at 120% of GDP and recommended Mr Papandreou to put it strongly, then Prime Minister refused, citing the objections Merkel. Had it been one impaired debt below 100% of GDP, it would dissolve the economy and society. The refusal of Mr. Papandreou triggered the first big surprise in Washington, began to understand that the data for U.S. interests, until then, Papandreou was no longer given and began to listen more to Berlin than the same .
The case of Mr Antonis Samaras is special. The current prime minister, amerikanospoudagmenos in his youth, had difficult relations with the Atlantic factor as Foreign Minister Mitsotakis government.
The Americans did not and does not have the best opinion about Mr Samaras. In their reports to the State Department, the U.S. ambassador in Athens, like M. Sotirhos and T. Niles who succeeded him, was not very positive about the abilities of Mr. Samaras but for political choices.
When Papandreou's government passed the first memorandum, A. Samaras was vertically opposed.
Became the standard bearer and leader of antimnimoniakou match, causing the wrath of Mrs Merkel. Indeed, the anger of the Germans, manifested intention to dismiss the SW from the ranks of the European People's Party, because of the positions expressed by Mr. Samaras and the opposition to support the Memorandum.
European isolation Samaras was given. At the crucial moment, the president of New Democracy tried to reach the U.S., determined to reach even clashed with the Europeans.
But he met the wall and necessarily had to be delivered to Mrs Merkel to survive politically and become prime minister and the most loyal, most, defender of the policies of the memorandum. Close, as foreign minister and another person who enjoys the confidence of Berlin, Mr. John Stournaras literally imposed in this position.
The visit of Mr. Samaras in Germany and the absolute most binding of Greece the chariot of Germany has caused unease in Washington.
It is telling that President Obama speaks regularly with Mr. Erdogan and Mr. Samaras, despite the fact that he had been given the opportunity, did not seek a contact or meeting with the American president.
The Treasury Secretary Mr. Geithner also did not hide his surprise before the negation of Greek Prime Minister to support the proposal of Mr. Lagarde and the IMF on a brave "haircut" on Greek debt.
Any concerns of Americans have dissolved. We now know that the political class exercises governmental power in Greece is closer to Berlin than in Washington. The only possible exception Avramopoulos keeping communication channels with the U.S. factor, something that Maximus with suspicion.
Indeed, the inclusion of some top executives LD, the so-called invisible but very distinct "German party" have caused discomfort and negative comments by former Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis not seen with good eyes German dominance in Europe.
The U.S. fears that the "loins" of privatization will pass into German hands and American groups have no luck in this environment is configured.
Most are concerned about the infiltration of the Germans and the critical role they play in issues of governance. They know that the Germans want to control the natural wealth of Greece in any way, because as a country is entirely dependent on energy.
If confirmed, the estimates of oil and natural gas in Greece, the Americans are not going to remain apathetic and indifferent.
Lately there is great interest in Washington for Greek politics. Americans are watching the developments in the political scene and particularly "studying" Mr. Tsipras.
Anyone who carefully monitor public attitudes by Tsipras and the record make the U.S. media about the situation in Greece may combine and understand a lot.
The president of SYRIZA is indeed isolated from the European establishment and especially Germany. Ms Merkel considers him dangerous for German interests, Mr Juncker, who also has an institutional role, ostentatiously refused to meet him during his visit to Greece itself and other European politicians and officials.
European isolation of Mr. Tsipras leads him to search for other allies. And the allies they should have more power than their current dominance of Europe.
The Tsipras will certainly seek a 'other relationship' with the U.S.. And there is no guarantee that it will find the door closed, as happened with Mr. Samaras.
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