Set to visit Athens next week, US President Barack Obama is planning to deliver a memorable speech and one that has been described to Kathimerini by American officials as a “legacy speech”.
The visit to the Greek capital is due to take place on 15 November, and though details have yet to be finalised, Obama’s statement is expected to have a great impact and is being likened to the one made in Berlin in 1962 by John F Kennedy.
It is expected that the President will bring his attention to Greece by making reference to the nation’s democratic legacy, and that he will praise its endurance during the challenges it has experienced in recent years. According to Kathimerini, Obama will also raise the matter of the need for debt relief in Athens, and will encourage the government to persist with its structural reforms. Though he is expected to be cautious when addressing Greece’s debt, so as not to seem as though it is a direct attack on German Chancellor Angela Merkel whom he will be paying a visit following his departure from Greece.
There is also a possibility that the American leader will visit a refugee camp in Attica, however a visit to Lesvos is off the cards due to security concerns.
Though it is not yet known who will be joining him on his visit from Washington, at this stage it appears the First Lady Michelle Obama will not be accompanying him.
