GREECE/MACEDONIA: GREEK CHURCH GIVES SOME

UNCLAS ATHENS 000299

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MK GR
SUBJECT: GREECE/MACEDONIA: GREEK CHURCH GIVES SOME
BREATHING ROOM

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED -- PROTECT ACCORDINGLY


1. (SBU) The Greek Orthodox Church has given the GoG some
breathing space on the Macedonia name issue. On February 28,
the Holy Synod convened for the first time under the chair of
new Archbishop Ieronymos. At the conclusion of the meeting,
the Holy Synod released a statement which underlines that the
church is following developments on the name issue with
"special attention" and emphasizes that "in these critical
times, which demand unity, maturity, and prudence, the Holy
Synod expresses its confidence in the state and political
leadership of the country, with the conviction that every
effort will be made to achieve the best possible result."


2. (U) The statement was in response (and is widely seen as
a rebuke) to Thessaloniki Metropolitan Anthimos, who from the
pulpit and with the press has:
-- Rejected any solution in which the term "Macedonia"
appears, even if it is as part of a compound name, and has
said that the Church should publicly express its opposition
to any such solution;
-- Said the Government should reject the most recent Nimetz
proposal; and
-- Called for protest rallies to warn the government of "the
will of the people and the clergy" on this matter (Note:
Anthimos has confirmed publicly that he will participate in a
March 5 rally in Thessaloniki. End note).


3. (SBU) Comment: The Holy Synod's restrained response is
welcome on two fronts:
-- It gives the government some space on the Macedonia name
issue, and
-- It is a clear signal that new Archbishop Ieronymos intends
to keep the Church out of contentious political issues, in
contrast to his predecessor. End Comment.
SPECKHARD