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In Greece, Obama Stresses Importance of 'Peaceful' Transition of Power in US

by Luis Ramirez

   LONDON --

   President Barack Obama has emphasized the importance of the "peaceful"
   transition of power in the U.S. as he spoke to the people of Greece
   Wednesday about democracy.

   "We compete hard in campaigns. But even after elections, democracy
   depends on a peaceful transition of power," Obama said in Athens. "The
   next American president and I could not be more different'¦But American
   democracy is bigger than any one person."

   He also reiterated U.S. support for Europe and its security in the face
   of concerns that a Donald Trump administration may usher in an era of
   isolationism in the United States.
   WATCH: Obama praises NATO allies

   Importance of NATO
   On Tuesday, he said NATO is "absolutely vital" and "provides
   significant continuity even as we see a transition of government in the
   United States."

   Following up on issues raised by President-elect Trump and by previous
   U.S. administrations including Obama's, the U.S. leader called on NATO
   members to spend more on defense.
   Obama had praise for Greece. At a news conference with Greek Prime
   Minister Alexis Tsipras, President Obama congratulated the country for
   spending more than the minimum goal on defense "even in difficult
   times." He said that if Greece can meet its NATO commitment, "all our
   allies should be able to do so."

   President Barack Obama and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras
   participate in a joint news conference at Maximos Mansion in Athens,
   Nov. 15, 2016.

   Future relations with allies
   Before leaving the White House on Monday, Obama said Trump had
   expressed to him a "great interest" in maintaining America's core
   strategic relations. "And so one of the messages I will be able to
   deliver is his commitment to NATO and the Transatlantic Alliance,"
   Obama said. The outgoing U.S. president said he would let European
   allies know "there is no weakening of resolve when it comes to
   America's commitment to maintaining a strong and robust NATO
   relationship."

   European leaders, alarmed by Trump's campaign statements on U.S.
   commitments, have been anxious for clarification.

   Obama travels to Germany later in the day