GREEK MFA ON JULY 22-23 GAERC ISSUES

C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 001018 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2018 TAGS: PGKV PREL EU GR PHUM IR SO SU CD ZI UP SUBJECT: GREEK MFA ON JULY 22-23 GAERC ISSUES REF: A. STATE 75702 ¶B. ATHENS 985 Classified By: A/POL COUNSELOR JEFF HOVENIER. REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). ¶1. (C) On 15 July, PolOfficer and PolAssistant delivered ref A points and discussed issues likely to be addressed at the July 22-23 EU Foreign Ministers' meeting (GAERC) with MFA European Correspondent Antonia Katsourou. She responded with the following points: -- Iran: Katsourou said Greece believes in the importance of implementing UNSCR 1803 and said that further dialogue regarding other autonomous sanctions should take place only after its implementation. She was pessimistic the EU would take a decision on implementing UNSCR 1803 at the July GAERC, but expected a decision at the September GAERC. Katsourou thought Tehran's response to Solana was a positive sign. -- Somalia: Katsourou confirmed Greece's interest in the Somalian piracy issue, noting that Greece, along with Spain, cosponsored UN 1816. She added that piracy directly affects the Greek maritime industry and thus requires Greece's attention and involvement. She stated that discussions are still ongoing and at a very early stage but that Greece is "open to all options." -- Sudan/Darfur: Katsourou agreed that the UNAMID mission is crucial. Concerning the CPA, Katsourou noted that Greece has yet to see the text and thus did not offer any substantive comments concerning this issue. -- Chad: Katsourou noted that Greece is currently participating in the EU mission and has offered logistic flights. -- Zimbabwe: Katsourou confirmed that the EU is working on additional sanctions on targets such as banks, firms, and factories. Katsourou also noted the importance of the AU's involvement in this situation. -- Middle East: Although not on the agenda, Katsourou said she expected some general discussion on the situation. SPCKHARD