Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ATHENS1498
2007-07-26 12:25:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Athens
Cable title:  

GREECE NEEDS AIRCRAFT TO FIGHT FIRES

Tags:  MOPS PREL PGOV GR 
pdf how-to read a cable
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O 261225Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY ATHENS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9783
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RHMFIUU/NAVSUPPACT NAPLES IT IMMEDIATE
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RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE IMMEDIATE
UNCLAS ATHENS 001498 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT OF AGRICULTURE FOR NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MOPS PREL PGOV GR
SUBJECT: GREECE NEEDS AIRCRAFT TO FIGHT FIRES

REF: ATHENS 1487

UNCLAS ATHENS 001498

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT OF AGRICULTURE FOR NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MOPS PREL PGOV GR
SUBJECT: GREECE NEEDS AIRCRAFT TO FIGHT FIRES

REF: ATHENS 1487


1. (U) In a meeting with Army Attach, Secretary General for
Civil Protection of the Greek Ministry of the Interior
Panagiotis Fourlas expressed appreciation to the U.S. for its
consideration of Greece's urgent request for assistance in
fighting forest fires (reftel) and clarified that Greece's
specific need was for firefighting aircraft. No other
assistance was needed at this time.


2. (U) Fourlas said fixed-wing aircraft would be welcomed,
but the primary need was for helicopters. He asked, what
type of aircraft with what capabilities could the U.S. offer?
When could they be available? And on what terms (i.e.,
USG-provided? Civilian-contracted? Greek-funded?).


3. (U) In our July 25 conversation with the Chief of Staff to
the Foreign Minister, we also suggested they reach out to the
Ukrainians, who we believe may have expertise and aircraft
for fighting fires. The Greeks welcomed the suggestion and
apparently are in potentially fruitful discussions with the
Ukrainians.
COUNTRYMAN