NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS GROUP DRAFT EXCEPTION FOR INDIA

UNCLAS ATHENS 001165 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC AORC GR SUBJECT: NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS GROUP DRAFT EXCEPTION FOR INDIA DEMARCHE DELIVERED REF: STATE 85948 ¶1. (SBU) Embassy political section coordinated this demarche with UK embassy political counselor, Lisa Whanstall. On 12 August, Poloff delivered reftel demarche to Ambassador Alexandros Rallis, Director D1 Directorate of UN and International Affairs. On 13 August A/Polcouns discussed the issue with Ambassador Rallis. Rallis said the Indians and Pakistanis had been to his office about six times to discuss the same issue. He said Greece wanted to be helpful and he expected his government to support the U.S. position. He was unable, however, to give a definitive answer due to the absence of Secretary General Mr. Aristedes Agathocles. Rallis would press this topic next week when Agathocles returned from vacation. Embassy will provide an update if we are able to get further information. ¶2. (SBU) COMMENT: Greece as a general rule wants to be a team player on such issues. This could be a problem, however, if there was a movement amongst EU member states to vote against approval of the draft exception text, Greece would then likely feel compelled to join the EU consensus. ¶3. (SBU) Embassy POC, Dawn Hillman, hillmanda@state.sgov.gov. MCCARTHY