The US Government congratulated the Tsipras government and the Greek people over the return of the Greek soldiers who were held in prison without trial in Turkey for more than five months.
The US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert welcomed their return and congratulated also the Greek Foreign Ministry over its diplomatic victory.
“We welcome the news of the long-awaited homecoming for Greek soldiers Dimitris Kouklatzis and Angelos Mitretodis. Congratulations to the people of Greece and to the Greek Foreign Ministry.”
The statement follows similar praise on social media from US Ambassador to Athens Geoffrey Pyatt who on Wednesday send congratulations to the Greek Foreign Ministry over the release of the two Greek soldiers
“Congratulations to all my colleagues at @GreeceMFA,” his tweet read.
The tweet linked to a report from last May in which Pyatt was quoted as saying that the soldiers “should have come home in the spirit of our alliance relationship.”
From his part, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker expressed his satisfaction and joy at the release from a Turkish jail of two Greek servicemen, in a letter released by the mayor of Orestiada Vassilis Mavridis.
Junker who is an honorary citizen of Orestiada referred in the letter to the mayor his personal interest and continuing support for the return of the two men.
In his letter, Juncker reiterated that Turkey can only win from its strategic association with the EU and good neighbouring relations, and has nothing to fear in its European neighbours.
In his response, Mavridis praised Juncker for his “subtle and expert handling that led to the happy result” of the release, adding that “it is a generally accepted fact that your contribution was timely and decisive,” and inviting Juncker to visit the city.
