US embassy cable - 05ATHENS799

UNCLAS ATHENS 000799 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EB/DORIS HAYWOOD AND CLAY DIAMOND 
 
USEU FOR USTR/CHRIS WILSON 
 
USDOC FOR DONALD CALVERT 
 
E.O. 12356: N/A 
TAGS: EWWT, ECON, ETRD, KSTC, PARM, PHSA, PREL, PTER, ASEC, EU, GR, IASA 
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION AND OUTREACH 
ON MARITIME SECURITY - GREECE 
 
REF: STATE 38874 
 
1.  This is in response to reftel invitation of post's 
input on Greece's adoption of maritime security measures in 
accordance to the President's Maritime Security Policy. 
 
2.  Greece, as host of the 2004 Summer Olympics, has 
expedited implementation of many security plans including 
maritime security initiatives.  Based on Post's experience, 
coordination, both within the GoG and with NGO's has been 
smooth, although in some cases complicated by a cumbersome 
bureaucracy. In many cases, Greece's adherence to its EU 
obligations has also expedited adoption of maritime 
security measures broadly adopted by the EU, i.e. the 
agreement for Greece's participation in the CSI program was 
signed in Brussels as a U.S./EU agreement. 
 
3.  Although the Greeks have been quick to respond to 
security proposals before and during the Olympics, the 
country's current shaky financial situation may impede the 
implementation of these initiatives in the future.  An 
example is Greece's ongoing delay in purchasing a mobile 
screening unit for its CSI program so that the U.S.-owned 
machine, loaned to Greece for the Olympics, can be 
returned.  Seven months after the 2004 Summer Olympics, a 
tender for the purchase has not yet been issued. 
 
4.  Besides the private sector's response to maritime 
security measures (Greek ships comply with the 96-hour ANOA 
system and Greek companies have agreed with U.S. importers 
to provide security information under the C-TPAT 
initiative) the Greek state currently participates in CSI, 
the Proliferation Security (PSI) and the Megaports 
Initiatives.  As a member of the EU, Greece has also 
adopted the ISPS Code. 
 
5.  Responsibility for maritime security issues resides in 
different portfolios.   The DHS/Immigration and Customs 
Enforcement Attach is responsible for CSI implementation, 
POL/MIL officer coordinates PSI affairs, and ECON Deputy 
Counselor handles the Megaports Initiative and, in 
cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard regional 
representative for Europe, covers ISPS Code concerns.  Ad 
hoc meetings with all USG players on maritime security 
issues are convened as necessary. 
 
RIES