On Monday 15/6/2020 and in the wake of the recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. Government on Greek-owned ships, the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Mr. Theodore Veniamis, met with the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Geoffrey R. Pyatt, at the U.S. Embassy. Mr. Veniamis emphatically stated that the Union of Greek Shipowners remains committed to implementing U.S. sanctions measures and would continue to urge its members to refrain from conducting any business with Venezuela until there is a change in regime.

The two sides reiterated the long-standing, close relationship between Greece and the United States of America in the maritime sector, where Greek shipping constitutes a strategic partner for the transport of U.S. imports and exports and offers reliable and high-level shipping services. They also reconfirmed their mutual desire for the maintenance and the enhancement of this relationship.

The UGS President unequivocally stated that the UGS, in the context of its institutional role, constantly informs its members about the imposition of restrictive measures / sanctions both from the U.S. as well as from the United Nations against specific countries and invites its members to demonstrate due diligence in implementing all relevant guidelines.

The U.S. Ambassador stressed that the United States is determined to strictly implement the U.S. Government’s measures with regards to Venezuela and expressed his confidence that the cases involving ships of Greek interests will have a positive outcome, especially after the recent statements of the affected companies that they will cease any commercial activity with Venezuela.