During the meeting with Christine Wormuth, US Under Secretary of Defense for Polic Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos declared that the United States tried to urge Greece to support a new round of anti-Russia sanctions, but Athens viewed Russia as an ally, Sputnik News informs.
"I was asked to extend the sanctions, particularly in connection with Crimea. I explained [to Wormuth] that the Ukrainian issue was very sensitive for Greece as some 300,000 Greeks live in Mariupol [south of Donbass region in southeastern Ukraine] and its neighbourhood, and these people feel safe near with the Orthodox Church, " Kammenos noted.
In addition he complained of Greek financial loses that according to him were the results of the anti-Russia sanctions.
"Russia is Greece's ally and friend. The unbreakable bonds of a common religion as well as economic ties help unite the two countries," added Greek Minister.