Greece is “a leader in counterterrorism” and “an example for other countries to follow,” according to the US State Department, which credits Athens with demonstrating exceptional resolve in confronting far-left and anarchist terrorism.

Speaking to Kathimerini, a State Department spokesperson explained why Secretary of State Marco Rubio placed particular emphasis on Greece during his recent remarks at a ministerial conference on the resurgence of political terrorism.

According to the spokesperson, governments around the world, including the United States, had for years underestimated the threat posed by far-left political terrorism. Greece, by contrast, demonstrated determination and effectiveness in confronting the threat even when other countries failed to fully recognize its seriousness.

“Secretary Rubio observed that many governments around the world, including the United States government, have had a ‘blind spot’ regarding far-left political terrorism. Greece, however, has demonstrated great strength and resolve in confronting this threat, even when other countries underestimated it. Greece is a leader in counterterrorism and an example for other countries to follow in combating this threat” the spokesperson said.

The official also emphasized that cooperation in confronting far-left and anarchist terrorism has helped create a longstanding security partnership between Greece and the United States – one that Washington considers among the strongest in the world.

“By jointly confronting far-left and anarchist terrorism, Greece and the United States have forged a longstanding security partnership that is one of the best in the world. Highlighting our shared losses at the hands of terrorists not only underscores the severity of the threat but emphasizes the value of our international cooperation,” the spokesperson said.

The State Department added that Rubio cited examples from several countries because Washington regards far-left terrorism as a global threat rather than one confined to any single country.

Rubio “used examples of far-left political terrorism from countries around the world, including the United States, because far-left terrorism is a global threat,” the spokesperson said.

Addressing Rubio’s specific reference to the November 17 terrorist organization, the spokesperson said the group was included because the United States “will never forget” the representatives and employees who are killed abroad in the line of duty.

In the same context, the official also pointed to the strongly worded statement issued by the State Department following the release of November 17 leader Alexandros Giotopoulos, in which the United States expressed deep disappointment over the decision by the Greek authorities.

Source: Ekathimerini.com