Former U.S. military attaché in Athens Robert Palm provoked a scandal by declaring Greece a beggar on Twitter.
Palm took part in a discussion on social networks about the purchase by Greece of frigates for the country’s navy.
One of the Twitter users posted photos of different naval vessels with the caption “What I wanted” and “What I will get”.
The former U.S. military attaché commented on the tweet with the phrase “Beggars can’t choose,” which sparked an angry response from Greek internet users.
Palm later deleted his message and apologised for it.
He explained that he had not thought through his comment and admitted it was offensive.
It is noted that in September 2020, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced Athens’ plans to purchase four advanced multi-purpose frigates.
Among the main contenders were American and French naval vessels.
Palm, who has been decorated by former Greek Minister of Defense, Panos Kammenos, was forced to apologise after the furore.
“As a private citizen I speak neither for the US government or Lockheed," he wrote on Twitter on March 24.
"I deleted my earlier tweet because my comment, which was not intended to be mean or disrespectful, was not thought out well unfortunately offended," his tweet continued.
"For that I’m truly sorry,” Palm added.
The former U.S. military attaché concluded: “I have only the deepest respect for this country, its people and its strong future. To the HDNGS, MOD and US Embassy of apologise for the inappropriate mistake.”
https://twitter.com/AllOverTheMed/status/1374484142348378122
