EMBASSY ATHENS' FORCED LABOR SEMINAR PARTICIPANT

UNCLAS ATHENS 000202 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ELAB OTRA PHUM GR SUBJECT: EMBASSY ATHENS' FORCED LABOR SEMINAR PARTICIPANT REF: STATE 13514 Embassy Athens requests that David Muehlke be considered for participation in the DOL/DRL training seminar on forced labor and child labor in Washington D.C., April 10-11 (reftel). Mr. Muehlke will replace Embassy Athens' human rights/labor officer this summer. While there is little evidence of Greek sweatshops using underage labor, we are aware of a notable problem with Roma and others who utilize children for street-hawking. Embassy Athens will host a regional conference for officers dealing with Roma issues, including the plight of children, later this month. Given the significance of the Roma issue to our reporting, Post believes it is particularly important for us to be up on the latest developments. Mr. Muehlke is currently in Washington and would require no travel funds. SPECKHARD