US Senator asked Greece to clarify its threat to flood Europe with migrants and Islamists

Washington, 28 March 2015 (MIA) - American Senator Dan Coats, Republican from Indiana, took an unusual step to block the traditional resolution commemorating Greek Independence day from being passed in the Senate. The reason for the several day long hold Coats placed on the resolution is the recent statement by controversial Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos, who threatened he will flood Europe with immigrants and Islamists if Greece doesn't receive more bailout money.

Coats asked Greek Ambassador to the United States to explain Minister Kammenos' statement, given how threats aimed at Europe also affect American national security. Kammenos, who is also leader of the nationalist Independent Greeks party, is well known for his aggressive posture aimed at Greek neighbours and minority groups.

"With these statements, the Minister threatened the security of his country’s own allies. Since holders of European Union travel documents also travel easily to the United States, this threat extends to our own security interests as well", Senator Coats said, quoting the threat Kammenos made to Europe that: "If Europe leaves us in the crisis, we will flood it with migrants, and it will be even worse for Berlin if in that wave of millions of economic migrants there will be some jihadists of the Islamic State too".

Greece is one of the first destinations for refugees fleeing Syria, Afghanistan, and other war torn countries in the Middle East, and recently the socialist - nationalist coalition ruling Greece announced it will close the refugee camps where it keeps illegal immigrants caught by Greek security services. Greek Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos said that he has given a clarification to Senator Coats, who, in turn, agreed to allow the passing of the Senate resolution.

"I appreciate Ambassador Panagopoulos’s response to my letter. He indicated that, ‘Greece remains committed to cooperating closely with its EU partners, within the Schengen area, on issues like protection of EU borders, management of migratory flows, asylum, in accordance with relevant EU regulations, directives and international law.’ With that reassurance, I have lifted my hold on the Senate resolution celebrating Greek Independence Day”, Senator Coats said.