GREEK FM WELCOMES U.S. STATEMENT ON IRAN, ISSUES

C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 001413 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR EUR, EUR/SE, NEA/IR E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/01/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV IR GR SUBJECT: GREEK FM WELCOMES U.S. STATEMENT ON IRAN, ISSUES HELPFUL RESPONSE REF: STATE 87682 Classified By: AMB. CHARLES P. RIES FOR REASONS 1.4(B) AND (D) ¶1. (C) On May 31 Ambassador shared ref points with FM Bakoyannis, who strongly supported the U.S. move to participate in the EU-3 negotiations with Iran, if that country fully and verifiably suspends its enrichment and reprocessing activities. Subsequently, the FM issued a statement of support (para 3). At a May 31 function, DCM discussed the points with main opposition PASOK leader Papandreou and PASOK "shadow FM" Papoutsis, who both welcomed the move as well. ¶2. (U) Most major media carried Secretary Rice's statement and FM Bakoyannis' response, calling the move a "change of course" by the USG and generally portraying it in a positive light. Left-of-center daily "Ethnos" claimed that the governments of Switzerland and Greece "contributed greatly" to the diplomatic efforts that led to this development. The independent daily "Kathimerini" attributed to diplomatic sources in Vienna the information that the USG agreed to this scenario following an agreement by Russia and China to support sanctions on Iran in case the negotiations end in deadlock. ¶3. (U) Begin text of May 31 FM Bakoyannis response to U.S. statement on Iran (as posted on the MFA website -- www.mfa.gr): I would like to welcome today's announcement of the Government of the United States of America regarding their intention to participate in the initiative of European Union member states aimed at finding a solution to the serious problem of Iran's nuclear program. This is an important and positive development which is in accordance with our country's steadfast pursuit of a peaceful solution of the matter through diplomatic means. I would like to hope that Iran will examine this proposal for dialogue with due attention and will respond in a constructive manner. End text. RIES