INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION AND OUTREACH

UNCLAS ATHENS 000799 SIPDIS STATE FOR EB/DORIS HAYWOOD AND CLAY DIAMOND USEU FOR USTR/CHRIS WILSON USDOC FOR DONALD CALVERT E.O. 12356: N/A TAGS: EWWT ECON ETRD KSTC PARM PHSA PREL PTER ASEC EU GR IASA SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION AND OUTREACH ON MARITIME SECURITY - GREECE REF: STATE 38874 ¶1. This is in response to reftel invitation of post's input on Greece's adoption of maritime security measures in accordance to the President's Maritime Security Policy. ¶2. Greece, as host of the 2004 Summer Olympics, has expedited implementation of many security plans including maritime security initiatives. Based on Post's experience, coordination, both within the GoG and with NGO's has been smooth, although in some cases complicated by a cumbersome bureaucracy. In many cases, Greece's adherence to its EU obligations has also expedited adoption of maritime security measures broadly adopted by the EU, i.e. the agreement for Greece's participation in the CSI program was signed in Brussels as a U.S./EU agreement. ¶3. Although the Greeks have been quick to respond to security proposals before and during the Olympics, the country's current shaky financial situation may impede the implementation of these initiatives in the future. An example is Greece's ongoing delay in purchasing a mobile screening unit for its CSI program so that the U.S.-owned machine, loaned to Greece for the Olympics, can be returned. Seven months after the 2004 Summer Olympics, a tender for the purchase has not yet been issued. ¶4. Besides the private sector's response to maritime security measures (Greek ships comply with the 96-hour ANOA system and Greek companies have agreed with U.S. importers to provide security information under the C-TPAT initiative) the Greek state currently participates in CSI, the Proliferation Security (PSI) and the Megaports Initiatives. As a member of the EU, Greece has also adopted the ISPS Code. ¶5. Responsibility for maritime security issues resides in different portfolios. The DHS/Immigration and Customs Enforcement Attach is responsible for CSI implementation, POL/MIL officer coordinates PSI affairs, and ECON Deputy Counselor handles the Megaports Initiative and, in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard regional representative for Europe, covers ISPS Code concerns. Ad hoc meetings with all USG players on maritime security issues are convened as necessary. RIES