Cablegate: Greece: Demarche Opposing Unga Resolutions with Anti-Israel

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DE RUEHTH #1639 3221410
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O 181410Z NOV 09
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TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1092
INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0057
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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

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