Title: Greek Government, US UK Agencies Push Harder Than Ever for Apprehension of November 17 Document Number: FBIS-WEU-2001-1209 Document Date: 09 Dec 2001 Sourceline: GMP20011209000217 Athens Ta Nea in Greek 09 Dec 01 p A12 Citysource: Athens Ta Nea Language: Greek Subslug: Report by a Special Correspondent: "N17, the 'Good Guys' of the FBI and the 'Bad Guys' of the CIA" [FBIS Translated Text] A complex backstage scene is developing around investigations into the terrorist organization N17. US officials expect, and are demanding, the arrests of at least mid-level members of the organization, about whom they claim sufficient evidence is already available. Prime Minister Simitis and Public Order Minister Khrisokhoidhis insist during related discussions that "if you bring us incontrovertible proof, we are ready to arrest the leaders of this organization". As for the British, they are methodically preparing a complete file of related information, and claim that when it is completed, they will be able to support charges against specific individuals in court, and to assist the Greek government in securing their convictions. Meanwhile, a rumor is circulating within diplomatic circles about a special negotiation on the whole affair that could end with the 'freeze' of the organization by the possible arrests of 2 or 3 leading members, without creating the huge 'earthquake' political observers are concerned about. There is no tangible evidence pointing to such a negotiation, and security authorities believe there will soon be a proclamation on behalf of N17 (without a terrorist strike) that will include the message it wants to convey to the public. Washington seems unwilling to accept such a development, especially after the events of September 11. A lobby in Washington of former intelligence officials concerned with Greece is systematically pushing for increased pressure on Greece. "Only the arrests and convictions of top members of the organization will satisfy us", comment US officials monotonously. US Ambassador Tom Miller stresses at every opportunity that he is pleased by the progress with Khrisokhoidhis, and that things have improved dramatically since the days he served as Deputy Ambassador in the Embassy. He is, however, being responsive to pressure to be tougher with Athens, pressure from officials who recall his previous positions on the issue of terrorism. What has truly changed, meanwhile, is the current climate of mutuality and trust that characterizes relation between Greek and US authorities. Veteran US officials claim that serious rifts had emerged in the past, mainly because of the CIA and not of the 'police-like' FBI. As an example, they recall the apprehension of a man suspected of membership in N17 who was carrying an electronic agenda, a portion of which was protected with a security code that the Greek authorities could not crack. When Greek officials asked for the help of the FBI, the agenda was dispatched to the lab that built it. The CIA found out and proposed that it take the agenda and return an identical one to the Greek Police full of information irrelevant to the case. This proposal caused a serious rift, which was later resolved at the highest level. In the end, the FBI's position prevailed, the Greek authorities were indirectly informed and the mutual trust grew. This episode is characteristic for yet another reason: the disputes and gaffes of US agents have often marked their presence in Greece, especially in the past. The money that US agencies have occasionally paid for information on N17 to informants in Greece, Paris and Germany are substantial, and have given rise to many disputes. Also indicative were the suspicions of some in Washington about an FBI agent in Athens who was uncontrollably spending secret funds to purchase information that never really proved useful. His early transfer was connected to these charges, even though his colleagues insisted that he was a highly capable and 'clean' officer. People who are familiar with the gray world of intelligence agencies believe US officials have on occasion purchased information from retired Greeks or other dubious individuals. For this reason, the Greek government insists that "no arrests will be made without incontrovertible proof", and government officials condemn the naming of suspects without evidence. US officials counter argue that concrete proof can only emerge if N17 members are caught red-handed or if rockets, a typewriter and a revolver are found in a hideout. Both cases are considered dangerous and difficult. The Investigations: What Scotland Yard Has to Offer Investigations have moved forward during the past six months and certain significant findings concern a major Greek city. Officials from the United Kingdom who are following the investigations have revealed their intention to complete a full judicial file on the case within the next two to three months. "They first submitted the Digest report, which listed all the unresolved loose ends from previous cases that needed looking into", stressed a Greek official, adding that "now, they are completing a file which at some point will be submitted to the Greek government with names of suspects and the evidence about each one of them. All indications suggest that London will deliver the file and wait for the reaction in Greece". The Greek government, meanwhile, has publicly declared that it also has a lot of information available on the 26 year-old organization and awaits the discovery of "additional information" that will allow its eradication. This was also suggested by the critical report discovered by "Ta Nea", a report written by a man considered to be a "living archive" of information on terrorism and which, in its complete form, has much to reveal about N17. [Description of Source: Athens Ta Nea in Greek -- Center-Left daily with pro-Pasok Inclination]