GREECE: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM PRIME

UNCLAS ATHENS 001525 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 VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT BIDEN REF: STATE 118942 ¶1. Greek Prime Minister Konstandinos Karamanlis has sent a congratulatory letter to Vice President-elect Biden. 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 offer my sincere congratulations on your election as Vice-President of the United States. You will be taking office at a critical juncture called upon to take decisions which will transcend the borders of America and affect the entire world. In the interests of Greece and the United States I look forward to working closely together on all issues that face the international community. Through the years, you have been a true friend of the Greek-American community and Greece and I will be looking forward to building a close working relationship with you. I look forward to meeting you and I wish you every success in your term ahead. Kostas Karamanlis Senator Joseph Biden Vice President-elect of the United States of America END TEXT SPECKHARD