At her Senate confirmation hearing for the position of US ambassador to Greece on Wednesday, Kimberly Guilfoyle faced pointed questions from Senators regarding the complex relationship between NATO allies Greece and Turkey, as well as broader regional security concerns.
With the Republican Party holding a majority on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, her approval is widely expected. The final step in her appointment will be a vote by the entire Senate. Upon successful confirmation and her swearing-in ceremony, conducted by President Trump in the White House Oval Office, the new Ambassador is expected to depart for Athens.
Senator James Risch pressed Guilfoyle on the long-standing territorial disputes between the two nations and Turkey’s acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems, which led to a US hold on F-35 fighter jet sales to Ankara.
Guilfoyle stated, “Turkey has chosen to work with the Russians with the S-400s.” She emphasized the need to distinguish between Greece, a “strong, steady ally who has answered the call and exceeded the expectations,” and Turkey, which “needs to follow suit and be that same kind of strong and strategic ally. We don’t have that at this point in time.”
She affirmed her commitment to collaborating with US Ambassador to Turkey, Jeff Barak, stating:
“I do enjoy a very close relationship with Ambassador Barak in Turkey. I’ve known him for a very long time, and I have a very close relationship with Ambassador George Tsunis. I think this will be pivotal to making sure that we are ready and able to exceed expectations on day one.”
Guilfoyle added that a primary focus, if confirmed, would be to protect “those strong allies that we have in Cyprus, in Israel, and in Greece.”
She underscored the importance of the Greek-American community, noting:
“We have three million Greek-Americans living in the United States of America in the diaspora, and 10 million incredible patriots that live in Greece that…want to work very strongly to help and support the United States, and their intentions are clear.”
US military cooperation and regional security
Senator Chris Coons questioned Guilfoyle on the “3+1” cooperation framework involving the United States, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Guilfoyle highlighted its significance for regional stability: “I believe this is a very important area of concern as it relates to national security in Greece and Cyprus, Israel all being very strategic and powerful allies, steadfast and reliable throughout the years.”
She pledged to work “tirelessly to make sure that Greece’s national security interests and our strategic allies in that partnership remain very strong and robust.”
Guilfoyle also cited the framework’s role in humanitarian efforts, noting how Greece aided the transport of US citizens from Israel, demonstrating that “our partners, our allies in Greece were able to help effectuate that in a timely and safe fashion.”
Guilfoyle on international law and Greece-Turkey disputes
Senator Van Hollen raised concerns about Turkey’s disputed maritime claims and adherence to international law. Guilfoyle acknowledged awareness of Turkey’s submitted maritime spatial plan to UNESCO, though admitted she was “not deeply familiar with the plan because I have not been confirmed.”
She affirmed her respect for legal principles: “As a former prosecutor, I’ve been an attorney for, what, 30 plus years. I have the utmost respect for the rule of law. I believe it should be adhered to.”
She added that any approach would consider “what is the State Department policy? What is the position of the President of the United States as it relates to American interests? Will it make us stronger, safer, more prosperous?”
Guilfoyle concluded by reiterating Greece’s importance:
“Greece is so important and pivotal geopolitically, it is a key place in the region that must be respected. And I am a strong believer that we are sending a message to the rest of the world if we do not treat our most strongest and strategic and consistent and steadfast allies like Greece in an appropriate manner to honor and respect the commitment that they have made to the United States of America.”
Related: Kimberly Guilfoyle’s Greece Ambassadorship: Full Senate Hearing Statement
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