This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. UNCLAS ATHENS 000046 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR TASK FORCE TFX001 
ALSO FOR EUR/SE, SA, EAP, AID 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS:        
SUBJECT: TFXOO1:  UPDATE ON GREEK SUPPORT TO TSUNAMI VICTIMS 
 
REF: A. ATHENS 78 
 
      B. STATE 959 
 
SUMMARY 
 
 1.   Greek official and private assistance to tsunami stricken areas is approaching four million euros.  The GoG has dispatched two C-130s with humanitarian and medical assistance as well as doctors and relief workers, and is considering sending a third C-130 consignment this week.  The MFA has decided to coordinate relief efforts with the EC's Humanitarian Office and relevant UN agencies. End Summary. 
 
 2.  Econcouns delivered general points per ref b to Dimitris Platis, Chief Aide to Deputy Foreign Minister Stylianidis (in charge of foreign assistance).  Platis commended, in particular, U.S. efforts to engage Middle East countries in the relief effort.  He said that the MFA has decided to coordinate official assistance and relief efforts with the European Commission's Humanitarian Office as well as UN agencies, as appropriate.  Greece plans to participate in the January 11 Donor Conference in Geneva.  Either Foreign Minister Moliviatis or Deputy Foreign Minister Valinakis will probably attend. 
 
 3.  According to Platis, the GoG has contributed about one million euros worth of emergency aid, services and cash to disaster stricken areas.  Two Hellenic Air Force C-130 "Hercules" transport planes have delivered physicians, rescue personnel and 12 tons of humanitarian aid to the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand (ref a).  The GoG is considering dispatching a third C-130 with humanitarian and medical aid in the near future. Twenty five members of the Greek Emergency Rescue Service (EMAK) have returned from Thailand, where they left behind trailers and specialized rescue equipment. 
 
 4.  GoG financial assistance to the Maldives and Sri Lanka (300,000 euros) has already been disbursed.  The MFA is now coordinating with the leading Greek NGOs in soliciting private donations.  The MFA is sponsoring a television marathon and has collected nearly a million euros so far.  In addition, Greek companies and private individuals pledged one million euros to Deputy Foreign Minister Stilianidis on January 3.  According to media reports, the Church of Greece has collected about 100,000 euros, and private donations to UNICEF are coming in at the rate of 40-50,000 euros a day, totaling approximately 300,000 euros this week.  The MFA is urging Greeks to make their donations in cash rather than kind in order to more effectively coordinate assistance with the EC and UN relief agencies. 
 WALLES