GREECE/EU: GYMNICH POINTS DELIVERED

C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 001243 SIPDIS DEPT ALSO FOR EUR/ERA AND EUR/SE E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/02/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV EU GG GR RU SUBJECT: GREECE/EU: GYMNICH POINTS DELIVERED REF: A. STATE 93264 ¶B. STATE 93272 Classified By: A/Political Counselor Jeff Hovenier for 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) On September 2, A/Political Counselor delivered ref A points on Georgia and EU/Russia relations in advance of the September 5-6 Gymnich, and ref B points on other issues on the Gymnich agenda to MFA European correspondent Antonia Katzoulou. Katzoulou had the following observations: -- Georgia: "There is not much to say beyond the September 1 meeting of the European Council." Katzoulou also noted that PM Karamanlis had told the press on September 1 following the European Council meeting that "violence is not a solution and is not acceptable," but that the European Council had also "agreed that Russia is an important partner for Europe and we must maintain strong ties." Greece is now awaiting the September 8 visit to Moscow by French/EU President Sarkozy, EU High Representative Solana, and European Commission President Barroso before considering any additional steps. -- Middle East: Katzoulou reiterated Greece's interest in maintaining momentum from the Annapolis process. -- EU Security Strategy: Katzoulou said that Solana will be submitting a paper to the Gymnich proposing that the 2003 EU Security Strategy be updated. Greece is open to doing so, but has no specific views on what elements of the EU Security Strategy needs to be updated. -- Transatlantic Relations: Greece wants this discussion to focus on what specific issues the EU should be seeking to work closely with the U.S. -- Serbia: Katzoulou noted that Greece's position on Kosovo is "well known." Greece has not recognized Kosovo and wants to be responsive to Serbian President Tadic's sensitivities. -- Afghanistan/Pakistan: Katzoulou said she anticipated that discussion of Afghanistan and Pakistan would be "brief" and offered no substantive comment. SPECKHARD