GREECE: GOG AND MEDIA CALL 2006 TIP REPORT

UNCLAS ATHENS 001524 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR EUR/SE. G/TIP FOR DONNELLY, INL/HSTC, EUR/PPD, EUR/PGI, G, DRL, IWI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KCRM KWMN PGOV PHUM PREL SMIG KPAO GR TIP SUBJECT: GREECE: GOG AND MEDIA CALL 2006 TIP REPORT "ENCOURAGING" REF: A. STATE 85560 ¶B. SECSTATE 89306 ¶1. SUMMARY: The Greek government and press responded positively to the release of the 2006 TIP report, calling Greece's advancement to Tier 2 from Tier 2 Watch List (T2WL) "encouraging." News articles relied on post's press release, press conference, and the report narrative for straightforward, factual reporting. Deputy Foreign Minister Stylianidis issued a balanced statement that described Greece's successes during the past year and cited areas which still need to be addressed. Working level interlocutors we have met with since the announcement are pleased that Greece is seen as our "partner" in the TIP fight, rather than as a country "under supervision." END SUMMARY. GOG OFFICIALS CALL TIP REPORT "ENCOURAGING" -------------- ¶2. Ambassador delivered Greece's 2006 TIP report narrative to Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on June 5 as instructed in Ref B. Bakoyannis was pleased that Greece was elevated to Tier 2 from T2WL. On June 6, Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis issued a statement which borrowed both the praise and areas for improvement from the report narrative. Stylianidis stated that "while all the problems have not been handled fully, e.g. arrest and conviction of traffickers,... the dynamic efforts of the MFA have been recognized." According to the Deputy FM, the acknowledgment of the GoG's work to combat TIP encourages Greece to continue its efforts to "defend the values of civilization and democracy against this unacceptable phenomenon of modern slavery." ¶3. After the Secretary released the report on June 5 (8:30 PM local time),post sent out a press release and the text of the report to the press and to TIP contacts in the GoG, non-governmental organizations, and IOM. Poloff followed up with a press conference June 6 for local press contacts covering the text of the report and the broader TIP situation in Greece. MEDIA REACTION -------------- ¶4. In the days following the report's release and our press conference, local press published nine straightforward articles, relying heavily on the report narrative and post's press release. Most articles were positive and focused on the improved ranking, but noted the areas (convictions of traffickers, law enforcement complicity) where continued focus is warranted. The daily "Angelioforos" called the report a "Yellow Card" for Greece, and "Eleftherotypia" (leading left-of-center, 61,000 daily circ.) highlighted possible involvement of Greek diplomats in aiding traffickers obtain visas for victims. "Ta Nea" (leading center-left, 70,000 daily circ.) noted with satisfaction that FM Bakoyannis was the first to receive the news that Greece advanced to a higher tier ranking. One article in "Ependitis" (pro-opposition, 150,000 weekly circ.),citing "protected" sources, leaked the new tier ranking Saturday, June 3, and attributed the elevated tier ranking to the work of Greek Ambassador to the U.S., Alexandros Mallias. No other news agencies picked up this early report. Small circulation daily pro-government "Adesmeftos Typos" had a one-on-one interview on the report with Poloff June 9 and plans to run an article the weekend of June 17-18. ¶5. Reflecting on Greece's humiliation last year at being placed in T2WL, some articles included tongue-in-cheek statements. Eleftherotypia's Washington correspondent wrote, "Greece has managed to reach the level of the other countries in its neighborhood, such as Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Eastern Europe" (Note: Greece funds anti-TIP programs in many of these countries). "Ependitis" said "the result (of Greece's efforts on TIP) was to move out of the category where it had been in the company of...Nigeria and Zimbabwe." ¶6. COMMENT: Press reports and the GoG reaction this year to the TIP report were responsible and factual, reflecting Greek appreciation for its efforts to combat TIP. Our discussions with working level contacts in the week since the report's release have been productive and positive -- our interlocutors welcome being seen as partners in this global effort. The report has re-energized the GoG in its TIP efforts. We will continue to encourage sustained efforts, especially on convictions, increased victim protection, and cooperation between the GoG and NGOs. COUNTRYMAN