GREEK LEADERSHIP HERALDS CHRISTOFIAS VICTORY AS

C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 000255 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/24/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL CY GR SUBJECT: GREEK LEADERSHIP HERALDS CHRISTOFIAS VICTORY AS NEW ERA FOR CYPRUS REF: ATHENS 246 Classified By: A/PolCouns Jeff Hovenier for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary and Comment: Greek officials and party leadership from across the political spectrum heralded Demetris Christofias' February 24 presidential election victory as a new era for all Cypriots -- Greek and Turkish alike. The Greeks welcome Christofias, readiness to constructively engage Mehmet Ali Talat and his commitment to making progress toward unification. The GOG is optimistically awaiting Christofias' first trip to Athens expected shortly after his March 1 swearing-in, as is tradition, to further discuss the new administration,s priorities and areas where Greece could contribute. End Summary and Comment. ¶2. (SBU) Upon announcement of the final results, President Papoulias, PM Karamanlis, and FM Bakoyianni consecutively telephoned the new President to extend Greek support. In addition to calling, Main opposition party PASOK leader (and Socialist International President) George Papandreou issued a statement claiming "Christofias victory is a victory for a just society in Cyprus, for a just solution to the Cyprus issues...founded on the will of the Cypriot people -- Greek and Turkish Cypriots alike." Papandreau added "We are optimistic the Cyprus issue will once again be the center of the international political scene." Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas also called to congratulate Christofias on a "new era for Cyprus" and pledged the assistance of the Hellenic Parliament. ¶3. (SBU) Messages from the Greek Left reflected the mainstream parties' sense of optimism for the future of Cyprus as well as solidarity with Christofias, as the first Communist elected to lead an EU country. Coalition of the Left (SYN) leader Alexis Tsipras stated Christofias, win was a "message of hope for the entire Cypriot people" and wished him success in finding a viable solution. Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga also highlighted the importance of a "left-wing" victory. Far-right Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) party head George Karatzaferis was far more circumspect, expressing hope that "the Cypriots will be satisfied" at the end of the term of the "first communist Head of State" in the EU. SPECKHARD