Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ATHENS3135
2006-12-06 15:44:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Athens
Cable title:
GREEK RESPONSE TO DECEMBER 7TH UNGA OCEANS DEBATE
how-toVZCZCXYZ0006 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHTH #3135 3401544 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 061544Z DEC 06 FM AMEMBASSY ATHENS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7600 INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0201
C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 003135
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/06/2016
TAGS: GR PHSA
SUBJECT: GREEK RESPONSE TO DECEMBER 7TH UNGA OCEANS DEBATE
REF: STATE 195607
Classified By: Counselor for Economic Affairs Clark Price for
Reasons 1.4 (b,d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 003135
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/06/2016
TAGS: GR PHSA
SUBJECT: GREEK RESPONSE TO DECEMBER 7TH UNGA OCEANS DEBATE
REF: STATE 195607
Classified By: Counselor for Economic Affairs Clark Price for
Reasons 1.4 (b,d)
1. (U) The Greek MFA, through its International
Organizations department, informed us that in principle they
are sympathetic to the U.S. position on the Torres Strait, as
they appreciate the precedential value of the Australian
action in other international waterways. Our MFA
interlocutors told us they would propose that the Greek
delegation make an intervention similar in nature to ours,
but that it was more likely that they would work through the
EU presidency, seeking to strengthen the EU presidency
presentation during coordinating sessions.
2. (C) Post has been trying to get the action Ministry, the
Ministry of Mercantile Marine, to respond on this Torres
Strait issue for weeks, but we have been repeatedly given the
run around. If the issue had not moved out of the IMO and
into the UNGA, post would likely still not have an answer,
thin as it is. On the side, one MFA contact told us that he
was stunned to find that the Ministry of Mercantile Marine
has never contacted the Greek shipowners in any fashion on
our demarche, and has apparently taken no official action on
the matter. As a result the MFA was unable to respond
effectively to our latest request on short notice for fear
that their response will be out of line with the politically
powerful ship owners. Note: The entire Ministry of
Mercantile Marine was given December 6th off to celebrate St.
Nicholas' Day; the patron saint of sailors in the Port of
Pireaus. End note.
RIES
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/06/2016
TAGS: GR PHSA
SUBJECT: GREEK RESPONSE TO DECEMBER 7TH UNGA OCEANS DEBATE
REF: STATE 195607
Classified By: Counselor for Economic Affairs Clark Price for
Reasons 1.4 (b,d)
1. (U) The Greek MFA, through its International
Organizations department, informed us that in principle they
are sympathetic to the U.S. position on the Torres Strait, as
they appreciate the precedential value of the Australian
action in other international waterways. Our MFA
interlocutors told us they would propose that the Greek
delegation make an intervention similar in nature to ours,
but that it was more likely that they would work through the
EU presidency, seeking to strengthen the EU presidency
presentation during coordinating sessions.
2. (C) Post has been trying to get the action Ministry, the
Ministry of Mercantile Marine, to respond on this Torres
Strait issue for weeks, but we have been repeatedly given the
run around. If the issue had not moved out of the IMO and
into the UNGA, post would likely still not have an answer,
thin as it is. On the side, one MFA contact told us that he
was stunned to find that the Ministry of Mercantile Marine
has never contacted the Greek shipowners in any fashion on
our demarche, and has apparently taken no official action on
the matter. As a result the MFA was unable to respond
effectively to our latest request on short notice for fear
that their response will be out of line with the politically
powerful ship owners. Note: The entire Ministry of
Mercantile Marine was given December 6th off to celebrate St.
Nicholas' Day; the patron saint of sailors in the Port of
Pireaus. End note.
RIES