SEEKING REGIONAL SUPPORT TO STOP FLOW OF FOREIGN

S E C R E T ATHENS 001363 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/03/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV GR SUBJECT: SEEKING REGIONAL SUPPORT TO STOP FLOW OF FOREIGN FIGHTERS TO IRAQ REF: STATE 92339 Classified By: Political Counselor Robin Quinville. Reason: 1.4 (b) a nd (d). ¶1. (S) On July 3, PolCouns delivered reftel demarche to MFA Secretary General Rocanas. Rocanas noted that the GOG shared SIPDIS U.S. concerns regarding foreign fighters joining the Iraq insurgency; he planned to consult with MFA experts and within the EU before responding in more detail. On the mechanics of a joint demarche with the U.S., Rocanas suggested it would be most effective as a U.S.- EU Troika demarche (on behalf of all EU member states). EU candidate countries could also be asked to associate themselves with the demarche. Rocanas believed that involvement by the EU Troika would ensure that a joint demarche received maximum high level attention in the region. COUNTRYMAN