CODEL SMITH MEETINGS WITH GREEK POLITICAL AND

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ATHENS 000217 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV OVIP GR SUBJECT: CODEL SMITH MEETINGS WITH GREEK POLITICAL AND BUSINESS LEADERS ATHENS 00000217 001.2 OF 003 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: In a January 28-29 visit to Athens, CODEL SMITH met with Prime Minister (PM) Kostas Karamanlis, Foreign Minister (FM) Dora Bakoyiannis and prominent business leaders and parliamentarians. The PM emphasized the good cooperation between Greek and American authorities investigating the January 12 rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on the U.S. Embassy and anti-Americanism in Greece. He also discussed the Visa Waiver Program (VWP),continued Greek participation with NATO efforts in Afghanistan, and Greek-Turkish relations. FM Bakoyiannis touched on similar themes, including Kosovo and Serbia, Greek-Turkish relations, and the importance of Greek participation in VWP. With business leaders, members reviewed economic developments, including in the energy sector, and identified opportunities to build on an already strong partnership between Greece and the U.S. ¶2. (U) CODEL SMITH was comprised of the following Members: Senator Gordon Smith (R - Oregon),Senator Patrick Leahy (D - Vermont),Senator Trent Lott (R - Mississippi),Senator Maria Cantwell (D - Washington),Senator Lindsey Graham (R - South Carolina),Senator Saxby Chambliss (R - Georgia),Senator Mel Martinez, (R - Florida),Representative Christopher Shays (R - Connecticut). The visit -- coming shortly after the RPG attack on the Embassy -- reinforced GOG efforts to combat domestic terrorism and bring the perpetrators of the January 12 attack to justice. End summary. PRIME MINISTER PROMISES ACTION ON RPG ATTACK ¶3. (SBU) In an hour-long meeting on January 29, PM Karamanlis underscored the "excellent relationship" between Greece and the U.S. Recalling the January 12 RPG attack on the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Karamanlis condemned the act and pledged that Greece would do its utmost to bring the perpetrators to justice. Karamanlis described the perpetrators as likely successors or remnants of the now-imprisoned November 17 (N17) terrorist organization. The PM stressed that while it "might not happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow," Greece would be successful in bringing those responsible to justice. ¶4. (SBU) Delegation Chairman Sen. Gordon Smith noted the bipartisan character of the CODEL and told the PM that each of the Members believed that it was important to visit Greece precisely because of the attack on the Embassy - which, he said, they see as an attack on Greece as well as on the U.S. Senator Smith told the PM that it "was important for us to be here now," underscoring the long tradition of "shared values and shared history" that make the two countries such valued allies. ¶5. (SBU) Senator Leahy told the PM that, while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, many participants told him that the U.S. image had been negatively impacted by American foreign policy and asked how the Greek public viewed the United States. The PM stated that while "Greek people basically like Americans, a majority of Greek people disagree with certain U.S. government positions." But with more than 60 years of friendship between our nations, "we could afford the luxury of disagreement," certain that our good relations would endure. However, the average Greek also wanted the U.S. to put more pressure on Turkey -- and wished the U.S. had not recognized the Republic of Macedonia by that name. Many ask questions, he explained: "Why Iraq? Why Turkey? Why Cyprus, Why FYROM?" Nonetheless, despite policy differences, the PM rejected the idea that Greeks are fiercely anti-American or that anti-American hysteria prevails in Greece. ¶6. (SBU) Senator Lott agreed; people often got angry at America, but not at Americans. Senator Lott pointed out that it was sometimes difficult to get Europe to move beyond talk into action. "We need Europe to take on some of the challenges we have been dealing with," he told the PM, particularly Afghanistan. The PM extolled the EU as the true "success story of the last 15 years, though with many shortcomings. He advocated a more integrated EU that would be a better partner to the U.S. On Afghanistan, the PM pointed out that Greece was now engaged in 5 different countries, implying there were limits to Greece's abilities to go beyond its current contributions. Ultimately, however, Greece was committed to fulfilling its international obligations. ¶7. (SBU) Senator Cantwell focused on specific opportunities for economic cooperation between the U.S. and Greece. The PM suggested that key areas were electronics, high-end ATHENS 00000217 002.2 OF 003 technology, energy and tourism. The last two were particularly ripe for better U.S.-Greece cooperation. Raising a "matter that is near to our hearts," the Prime Minister emphasized Greece's strong wish to participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). "We are the only original Schengen country not included in the VWP," he said, "and we hope to see that change," ¶8. (SBU) Senator Graham expressed his concern for what he described as the declining reputation of both the United Nations and the EU and said that he worried about NATO's reputation also being diminished in the public eye if partners do not cooperate to make Afghanistan successful. Senator Graham conceded that "many mistakes" had been made about Iraq, including, "perhaps not consulting with our allies as best we could have." But, he urged Karamanlis to "see that the NATO commitment is honored." ¶9. (SBU) Senator Chambliss questioned the likelihood of success of the Doha round, citing the need for Europe to make concessions on agricultural subsidies. "We all want to increase the flow of trade," he offered; "and the only way to do it is to reduce - or even better, eliminate - these tariffs to result in free and fair trade for all of us." The PM said he expected a successful outcome of the trade negotiations. The problem, he said, is that Italy, Spain, France and Greece see the need for subsidies. "These subsidies will change," he agreed, "but they can't do so overnight or dramatically. We simply must wait for the passage of time," until farmers are ready for retirement. ¶10. (SBU) Senator Martinez cited a long history of Greek Americans thriving in Florida; the new Governor of Florida is of Cypriot origin. He asked the PM how the United States could best help Greece. The PM focused on Cyprus; the goal, he explained, is the reunification of the island with Greeks and Turks living together peacefully. Referring to the failed referendum on the Annan Plan, the PM said, "that's democracy. We never know for sure what people are going to do (in an election)." The U.S. "can be very constructive" in resolving the Cyprus question. Karamanlis underscored improvements in Greek-Turkish relations, citing mutual cooperation on energy, tourism and banking. "I have a very good personal relationship with Prime Minister Erdogan," he added, and Greece is a strong supporter of Turkey's European aspirations. "A Turkey that respects human rights and reacts positively to its neighbors," benefits Greece; Karamanlis expected new initiatives after Turkish elections this year. He cautioned, however, that Turkey still has not fulfilled its EU obligations. There was a long way to go before Greece and Turkey could say that they have normal relations; "they have made some steps," he conceded, "but more courage is needed." ¶11. (SBU) Representative Shays asked for the PM's advice on Iraq. The PM said that the Greek public was "very reserved, if not negative (on Iraq) and that is the reality." A solution was difficult; "even if the U.S. decided to go, it should be done in a very careful way. Can you imagine splitting Iraq? Erdogan is clearly worried about the Kurdish question, which is a question of very great weight. I hope that you show wisdom in whatever you do." He also admitted that many in Europe were "quite satisfied" to see the U.S. in the difficult position it was currently facing, while indicating that he was concerned. Karamanlis underscored his belief that the NATO alliance works - albeit with some difficulties. He also recognized the difficulty U.S. Senators and Congressmen faced in explaining to average voters in Seattle or Massachusetts or Washington that their tax dollars are needed for matters that go well beyond their ordinary scope of interest or concern. "But," he added, "I have never made a secret that I feel good about America." FM BAKOYIANNIS ON BALKANS, VWP ¶12. (SBU) FM Dora Bakoyiannis hosted a working dinner for the Codel Janaury 28, including PASOK Foreign Affairs spokesman (and former FM) Theodoros Pangalos and a bipartisan group of Greek MPs. Bakoyiannis' opening remarks emphasized Greece's contribution to stability in the Balkans, its support for the democratic parties following the Serbian elections, and its concern that Kosovo not become a "failed state." Citing its 50 percent-plus unemployment rate and eschewing suffocating deadlines, the FM argued that independence "is not a panacea." Instead, she maintained that Kosovo needed to become stable and viable as a way to achieving "self-sustaining independence." Bakoyiannis expressed ATHENS 00000217 003.2 OF 003 support for Turkey's EU accession (within the framework of good-neighborly relations),but pressed for progress on the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Halki Seminary. She also welcomed historic Congressional support for reunification of Cyprus. In his response, Senator Smith praised the long history of positive U.S. Greece relations, based on our shared tradition of democracy and the contribution of thousands of Greek Americans. ¶13. (SBU) Finally, the delegation met with business leaders and economic decision makers at a lunch sponsored by the Greece - U.S. Business Council and the Hellenic American Heritage Council. Guests included Amcham representatives, steel industry leaders, shipping company executives, petroleum company directors, officials from several high-tech businesses as well as other energy industry representatives and two PASOK party parliamentarians. The event was an opportunity for the delegation to hear from leading businessmen about U.S.-Greece trade and investment . It also provided insight into the complicated energy market in Greece, and highlighted Embassy efforts to promote energy supply diversity. ¶14. (U) CODEL Smith did not have an opportunity to clear this cable before departure. RIES