Congressional investigation sought into Kimberly Guilfoyle case

Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Representative Gregory Meeks, the senior Democrats on the two foreign affairs committees of the US Congress, have requested an investigation into the activities of Kimberly Guilfoyle, the US ambassador to Greece, from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two lawmakers sent separate letters to Rubio seeking clarification of the potential conflicts of interest uncovered by the Wall Street Journal and of the ambassador's business connections.

The requests for information focus on the relationship between Guilfoyle and Christos Marafatsos, a registered lobbyist for the Greek construction and energy company Aktor Group. Meeks is seeking an explanation as to what authorization Marafatsos had to take part in official diplomatic meetings, and how it was ensured that participants were aware of his business interests. The congressman is also asking for information about energy deals supported by the ambassador and about safeguards meant to prevent private interests from being advanced. Shaheen is requesting documents on the ambassador's financial interests, her activities on behalf of Aktor and its joint venture, and private jet trips financed by businessmen, saying the concerns raised in the case could undermine the credibility of American diplomacy. In his letter of September 30, Meeks stated that if the claims in the reports are accurate, Guilfoyle is unfit to represent the United States abroad and should be removed from her post. The congressman also asked for clarification of remarks attributed to the ambassador about the possibility of toppling foreign democratic governments. The US embassy in Athens has denied the allegations of wrongdoing and said Guilfoyle complies with all of the State Department's ethical rules.

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