GREECE: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM PRIME

UNCLAS ATHENS 001524 SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/ES-CR, S/ES-O, AND EUR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ODPC PREL OVIP GR SUBJECT: GREECE: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM PRIME MINISTER KARAMANLIS TO PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA REF: STATE 118942 ¶1. Greek Prime Minister Konstandinos Karamanlis has sent a congratulatory letter to President-elect Obama. We understand that the original is being delivered through the Greek Embassy in Washington. However, the Prime Minister's office has provided us with a courtesy copy, which is provided in paragraph 2 below. ¶2. BEGIN TEXT Athens, November 5, 2008 I would like to convey my warmest congratulations on your landmark election victory and my best wishes for addressing the challenges over the next four years. Your election comes at a critical time. The global economy faces a serious downturn. International challenges need to be urgently addressed. It is crucial that Europe, the United States and other partners confront these challenges together. Greek-Americans have made and continue making an important contribution to the United States. I appreciate the clear and firm positions that you have adopted on issues of Greek concern. We will be looking forward to working closely with your administration, in solving these issues and in developing and enhancing our relations, in all fields, during your term in office. I look forward to meeting you in the near future, and once again I wish you every success in the years ahead. Kostas Karamanlis Senator Barack Obama President-elect of the United States of America END TEXT SPECKHARD