U/S BURNS' JUNE 11 MEETING WITH GREEK OPPOSITION

C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 001369

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV GR
SUBJECT: U/S BURNS' JUNE 11 MEETING WITH GREEK OPPOSITION
LEADER PAPANDREOU


Classified By: CHARGE TOM COUNTRYMAN. REASON: 1.4 (B) AND (D).


1. (C) SUMMARY: In a June 11 meeting with U/S Burns,
opposition PASOK leader (and former Foreign Minister) George
Papandreou suggested that Kosovo's transition from supervised
to full independence should take effect once it became an EU
member. That would cement the EU's commitment to the region,
as well as facilitate a solution. Burns updated Papandreou
on the status of negotiations, underscoring that, for the
U.S., independence for Kosovo was essential. Burns counseled
patience on the Macedonia issue, pointing out that NATO's
decision on enlargement would not take place for months.
Burns reminded Papandreou of the importance of NATO efforts
in Afghanistan, underscoring that Greece could and should
contribute more. END SUMMARY.

PAPANDREOU: FULL KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE WHEN IT ENTERS THE EU


2. (C) Papandreou told Burns that Kosovo was a European
problem, and should be handled in that context. While the
EU's current "enlargement-phobia" had dragged the Western
Balkans into a "gray zone," the EU accession process was
essential to resolving local and regional issues. Papandreou
proposed offering Kosovo "some status" now, with full
independence "consumated" the day it became an EU member.
Current proposals for "supervised independence" could be made
"more supervised." Papandreou believed that Tadic had the
capacity to reach a solution; Papandreou's contacts told him
Tadic "wanted to end this." By contrast, Papandreou thought
Kostunica was trying to straddle the fence.


3. (C) Burns told Papandreou that, in our view,
independence for Kosovo was essential. Without that, there
was real potential for violence. He reviewed recent
developments, including the Ahtisaari plan, Russia's
isolation in objecting to it, and the U.S. commitment to find
one way or another to ensure Kosovo's independence. Burns
also highlighted the need for the international community to
reach out to Serbia and how fests would
demonstrate a future in Europe.


4. (C) Papandreou suggQould make
the EU more ethnic differences would be
"submerged." Burns pointed out that Greece could be helpful
with Belgrade, given its strong bilateral ties. Papandreou
suggested an EU conference (with U.S. participation, as well
as all Balkan countries) to discuss its commitments in the
region. That could provide a roadmap for the future of the
Balkans, keeping the EU involved and committed.

MACEDONIA NATO ENTRY AND THE "NAME ISSUE"


5. (C) On the question of Macedonia's NATO entry and the
"name issue," Papandreou stressed he did not want this to
become a pre-election issue (which would mean a return to the
rhetoric of the early 90s). At the same time, an agreed name
needed to be found that could be used internationally. Even
a "composite name" would be difficult. Only strengthening
bilateral ties would lead to a resolution. Burns reminded
Papandreou that NATO's decision on expansion would not take
place until early 2008; that was the time to deal with the
question of Macedonia's NATO entry. Burns encouraged
Papandreou to keep the rhetoric low-key and work with UN
mediator Nimetz.

GREEK CONTRIBUTIONS TO AFGHANISTAN


6. (C) Burns stressed that, in Afghanistan, all NATO
members needed to do more. A key problem was lack of
training for the Afghan national army; another key issue was
effective coordination of military presence with humanitarian
assistance. Burns told Papandreou that Greece was one of the
countries with excess capacity that could and should
contribute more. Papandreou agreed on the importance of
Afghanistan but offered no specific ideas.

COUNTRYMAN