VZCZCXRO0077
OO RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA
RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHTH #2245 3231454
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 191454Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY ATHENS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0769
INFO RUEHSQ/AMEMBASSY SKOPJE IMMEDIATE 1116
RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY

UNCLAS ATHENS 002245 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV MK GR
SUBJECT: GREECE/MACEDONIA:  PRIME MINISTER TELLS PARLIAMENT 
NAME SOLUTION REQUIRED FOR NATO INVITATION 
 
REF: ATHENS 2199 AND PREVIOUS 
 
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Summary 
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¶1.  On November 16, PM Karamanlis told the Greek Parliament 
that Macedonia's "access to Euro-Atlantic organizations" 
depends upon a "definitive and mutually acceptable solution" 
on the name issue.  Meanwhile, FM Bakoyannis publicly 
repeated the point that "good neighborly relations" requires 
a "mutually satisfactory solution for the name dispute." 
 
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PM Karamanlis to Parliament 
--------------------------- 
 
¶2.  During the November 16 "Prime Minister's Hour" at the 
Greek Parliament, PM Karamanlis was asked by far-right 
Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) Party leader George 
Karatzaferis whether Greece had changed its "expressed 
direction" on the Macedonia name issue.  Karamanlis responded 
that Greece has had no "change in direction," and continues 
to proceed with "frankness, determination, and a constructive 
spirit."  He then added, "Only a definitive and mutually 
acceptable solution, only active respect of the Agreements 
and the principles of good neighborliness can "unlock" and 
ensure objective prospects for alliance relations, 
partnership relations, relations of solidarity with that 
neighboring country.  There is no other road that leads to 
its accession to Euro-Atlantic organizations."  He added, 
that if Macedonia wants to "enter NATO and the EU, it needs 
to prove in practice that it wishes to be an ally and 
partner, to demonstrate practical respect for the principles 
of international law, to prove that it fulfills all 
prerequisites without any lessening of these obligations, to 
cover the distance that it needs to, so that we can meet at a 
common, mutually acceptable solution." 
 
¶3.  In response to rumors that the GOG might call for a 
popular referendum on any compromise reached with Skopje, 
Karamanlis said that in the event of an agreement with 
Skopje, the Government of Greece would not/not call for a 
popular referendum, but that it would put the agreement to 
the Greek Parliament for approval/ratification. 
 
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FM Bakoyiannis' Interview on "Good Neighborly Relations 
--------------------------------------------- ---------- 
 
¶4.  Meanwhile, in an interview published by Greek Daily "Ta 
Nea" 11/19, FM Bakoyiannis termed U/S Burns' statement to the 
HIRC 11/15 on Macedonia "not new" and "no surprise for 
Greece" (Comment:  Greek papers have widely reported U/S 
Burn's statement to the HIRC that Macedonia should not be 
denied an invitation to NATO for any reason other than 
failure to meet the substantive qualifications for entry as a 
"blow" to Greece.  End Comment).  Bakoyannis emphasized that 
Greece also wants to see Macedonia in NATO, but "as their 
neighbor, we wish our alliance relationship . . .to become 
buttressed on the firm foundations of mutual confidence and 
good neighborly relations.  The practical proof of the 
existence of these self-evident conditions, necessary 
conditions for any alliance relationship, would be the 
discovery of a mutually satisfactory solution for the name 
dispute."  Later, she added, " . . . a mutually acceptable 
solution is the only way for Skopje to reach NATO and the EU, 
we mean it." 
COUNTRYMAN