A U.S. ambassador allegedly suggested that the United States can bring about a change of government, in a discussion about the imminent fall of the Bolojan government: “We can do this to any country we want”

The U.S. ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, reportedly stated at a dinner held in Athens in March that the United States could help remove certain governments, including those in Romania and Greece, according to the Wall Street Journal. The statement was allegedly made during a dispute with Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, amid discussions about the alleged collapse of the government led by Ilie Bolojan.

According to people who attended the dinner or to whom the episode was recounted, Guilfoyle allegedly said: “We can do this to any country we want. We can do it here too.” Papastavrou allegedly replied that the U.S. could not replace a government elected by the people. The ambassador’s lawyer disputed the description of the exchange.

The news comes in the context of Guilfoyle’s promotion of the Green Corridor, a project intended to transport gas from Greece to Central and Eastern Europe, including Romania. In January, former Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan reportedly asked President Nicușor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan to support the purchase of American LNG through a government agreement. The initiative was tempered by the Cotroceni Palace and the Government, amid questions about the costs and economic viability.