The U.S. Embassy in Athens warned Americans in Greece on Saturday to exercise caution and heighten their level of security following Washington's formal recognition last week of Macedonia under that name. Greek politicians and religious leaders have widely condemned the U.S. decision to recognize the tiny Balkan nation under the name Macedonia, fearing it could lead to a territorial dispute. The move is expected to stoke traditionally strong anti-American sentiment in Greece. In an e-mail sent Saturday to U.S. citizens living in Greece, the embassy warned of possible protests and said "for the time being, all Americans in Greece should also heighten their individual and family sense of and attention to personal security." Later Saturday, about 100 people gathered outside the U.S. consulate in the northern Greek port of Thessaloniki to protest the American decision.
That must be one dull place on a Saturday
Greek officials did not immediately comment on the embassy statement, which also was posted on the embassy's Web site. Athens has argued that use of the name Macedonia implies territorial claims toward Greece, which has a neighboring province with the same name. Greece lodged a formal complaint with the United States on Thursday following Washington's recognition of Macedonia. Macedonia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and joined the United Nations under the provisional name "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" to sidestep Greek objections. Athens uses the U.N. acronym, as do international organizations.
What buffoons
Greece has threatened it may veto Macedonia's bid to join the European Union and NATO.
Time to leave NATO and establish bilateral treaties with real allies and let the others stew in their own juices. |