In a letter to the American ambassador in Greece, Jeffrey Pyatt, the President and Founder of Engineering Group of Companies and national benefactor, Prodromos Emfietzoglou, lambasts U.S. diplomacy for the «equidistance» policy» which «equates the perpetrator with the victim» with regard to Turkey’s long-standing claims against the Greek people.
At the same time, he defends Greece’s right to self-determination regarding the purchase of new frigates for our navy, rejecting the U.S. proposal as incomplete and outdated.
The letter follows.
«Mr. Ambassador,
Your abilities are well known, both from your service in Ukraine and in our country.
Everyone recognizes your merit and your tireless efforts to defend your country’s national interests.
The Greek government, for its part, has a sacred duty to defend our national rights and interests.
The Greek people have fought alongside the United States in two world wars. After World War II, the United States helped us, through the ’Marshall Plan,« to partially rebuild our national economy. Greek-Americans strengthen both our friendship and our cooperation. After all, the principles of the American and Greek Revolutions are identical.: Freedom – Democracy.
However, there have also been painful moments that have hurt us. The Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus during the Kissinger era is a wound that won’t heal—on the contrary, it’s getting worse. Greeks feel a similar bitterness regarding the U.S. position on Greek-Turkish relations—a position of neutrality between victim and perpetrator (e.g., Imia).
Recent events reveal a completely different approach on the part of the two countries. Greece fulfills all its obligations and provides bases and facilities to meet every American demand or request. Turkey, on the other hand, is purchasing S-400s, invades and massacres the Kurds in Syria, blackmails the Republic of Cyprus, occupies western Libya alongside the jihadists, and collaborates with the Russians. It threatens us in the Aegean, on our islands, in our waters, and in our EEZ And yet, despite all the talk, no defense agreement has been signed between us. And we’re not sure if you might later «make up» with the Turks and turn on us! After all, «think twice before you speak»—your Secretary of State, Mr. Blinken, stated: «Turkey is an important NATO ally and an invaluable partner in the region.» That’s what Erdogan hears, and he smiles smugly.
You are well aware of our absolute need to procure new frigates for our Navy. Today, more than ever, we need the best frigates. The Turks are threatening our islands, our seas, and our EEZ. We must also protect Cyprus. Besides, our dear Ms. Merkel will soon be handing over to them the state-of-the-art submarines they’ve ordered.
We understand your efforts to persuade, advocate for, or even pressure others to favor the U.S. MMSC-HF2 frigates of the Lockheed Martin. However, we have noticed a strangely excessive level of activity on your part. An article co-authored with Minister Georgiadis, a series of visits to the Ministry of National Defense to meet with Minister Panagiotopoulos, and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet with Minister Dendias! The press reports that pressure is being exerted, that the government has already decided to take your proposals, and that you met with Mr. Prokopiou and assured him that they can be built in Skaramagas. We recently read that you had lunch with the Chief of the Hellenic Navy, Mr. Petrakis, and invited him to visit Washington.
Mr. Payat,
We asked you to sell us the destroyers «Alreigh Burke»…but you refused. In fact, one of your people even called us «beggars who can’t ask for whatever they want!!!»"
I carefully studied the features of the various proposals at the «DEFEA» Defense Equipment Exhibition. I visited the booths and had my questions answered. I spoke with representatives at the Lockheed Martin booth for over half an hour. When I asked whether their boats were made of steel or aluminum, the spokesperson said… that he didn’t know! He also said he didn't know when asked whether the reason we've been waiting for three months is because they are finalizing their bid.
Mr. Payat,
The MMSC frigates just aren't up to the task. I don't need to break down the facts for you. You know them better than I do. It's enough that your own Navy doesn't use them!!!
Please do not pressure the Greek government. Our distinguished admirals, as well as our government, have a sacred obligation to purchase the best ships, equipped with the most advanced protection systems and the finest equipment.
»The Greek people will view this act of yours as a gesture of friendship and magnanimity."
P.S.: This document is also being delivered to Ambassador Payat through the U.S. Embassy in Athens.
