Athens slammed an (un)expected decision by Washington yesterday to refuse to drop visa requirements for Greeks traveling to the USA for business or pleasure. This decision will put Greece at the bottom of Europe.

The National Security Council reportedly stepped in to put an end to months of negotiations between the two countries, citing “political reasons” for not lifting the requirement for Greek travelers, reports Athens daily "Kathimerini".

Greek commentators speculate the move was in retaliation for Greece blocking of Macedonia into NATO earlier this year. However, the US administration also took into consideration actions of Greek terrorists and their connection with Athens politicians in assassinations of top US and British military ataches and diplomats in Greece.

“Greece has never accepted the logic of the exertion of pressure between allies,” said Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, while Foreign Ministry spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos said the decision was “unjustified” and did nothing to help promote relations between citizens of the two countries.