TFKV01: KOSOVO: GREECE "YAWNS"

UNCLAS ATHENS 000254 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL ASEC YI KV GR SUBJECT: TFKV01: KOSOVO: GREECE "YAWNS" ¶1. (U) Notwithstanding Greece's special relationship with Serbia and Greece's previous history of large demonstrations against NATO and "the West" in response to Kosovo activities, there has been relatively little public reaction to Kosovo's declaration of independence. Greek media coverage has been extensive, often live from Kosovo. Weekend editorials tended to take the line that it is unfortunate that the U.S. and Russia are in conflict and frustrating that Greece cannot influence events in its own neighborhood, despite being the oldest EU member in the region. ¶2. (U) In response to a call from Greece's communist party (KKE) to protest U.S. and EU actions on Kosovo in a February 23 rally/march, only about 1,000 people showed up. The protesters chanted slogans against the U.S., the EU, and NATO as they walked from the Greek parliament to the U.S. Embassy. They burned an EU flag in front of the European Commission mission as well as two American flags in front of the U.S. Embassy. Overall, the march was tame -- at least by Greek standards. There were no clashes with police and protesters dispersed peacefully. Greek security forces were present at both the EU mission and the U.S. Embassy. ¶3. (U) Meanwhile, leading opposition PASOK President George Papandreau has engaged in pro forma criticism of the Karamanlis Government, describing "unilateral recognitions" of Kosovo "a most adverse development." KKE leader Aleka Papariga separately called on the government not to recognize Kosovo's independence. Papariga called Kosovo "one more result of imperialistic policies" and called on the government not to approve Greek participation in the "new occupation army in the region." The tag line on primetime news has been "an American protectorate with a European Army (Note: We are pointing out to interlocutors that neither assertion is correct. End Note). The Government has not responded to these criticisms. SPECKHARD