Tensions with Turkey are expected to be on the focus of the visit of US State Department Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell in Greece and Cyprus towards the end of the week. Mitchell will be in Athens on Thursday, March 15th, and in Nicosia a day later as part of a five-day tour in the region.
Prior to Athens, Mitchell will visit Kosovo, FYROM and Serbia.
In a statement announcing Mitchell’s visit to the region, the US State Department said with regards ot Greece, Cyprus and FYROM meetings:
In Skopje on March 13, he will meet with Macedonian Prime Minister Zaev and Foreign Minister Dimitrov. He will reaffirm U.S. support for Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, offer support for Macedonia’s on-going negotiations with Greece, and urge the Macedonian government to implement reforms to enhance democratic governance, the rule of law, and a free media.
In Athens on March 15, Assistant Secretary Mitchell will meet with senior Greek officials to discuss deepening U.S.-Greek strategic ties and strengthening bilateral cooperation, including in the areas of defense, energy, trade, and investment.
Finally, in Nicosia on March 16, he will meet with senior Republic of Cyprus officials to discuss bilateral and regional issues, including the development of energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean. He will also meet with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, as well as with representatives of the United Nations.
Turkey is not included in Mitchell’s tour apparently because Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was in Ankara last month.
