Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ATHENS1639
2009-11-18 14:10:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Athens
Cable title:
GREECE: DEMARCHE OPPOSING UNGA RESOLUTIONS WITH ANTI-ISRAEL
how-toVZCZCXYZ0020 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHTH #1639 3221410 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 181410Z NOV 09 FM AMEMBASSY ATHENS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1092 INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0057 RUEHTH/AMEMBASSY ATHENS
UNCLAS ATHENS 001639
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UNGA KPAL IS GR
SUBJECT: GREECE: DEMARCHE OPPOSING UNGA RESOLUTIONS WITH ANTI-ISRAEL
BIAS
REF: STATE 118799
(SBU) Post delivered reftel message on opposition to one-sided UN
General Assembly resolutions on November 18 to Greek MFA D1
Directorate (UN and Internal Organizations) Second Counselor Loukas
Tsokos and to MFA A6 Directorate (Arab Countries and Middle East)
Counselor Stelios Gavriil. Both expressed thanks for the
information, acknowledging they were familiar with the U.S.
position and noting that Greece would coordinate its votes within
the EU. Gavriil pointed to Greece's abstention on the November 5
Goldstone report resolution as a "step forward" and an example of
Greece pursuing a "balanced stance." He explained that Greece
decided to abstain, despite criticism from left-wing parties within
Greece and the country's good relations with the Palestinians,
because such resolutions had a "negative impact on the Israeli
side" and hurt the prospects for the peace process.
Speckhard