TURKEY/CYPRUS: TURK WAXES INDIGNANT AT GREEK

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 002371 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/11/2013 TAGS: PGOV PREL TU CY SUBJECT: TURKEY/CYPRUS: TURK WAXES INDIGNANT AT GREEK CYPRIOT UN GAME PLAN (U) Classified by DCM Robert S. Deutsch. Reason: 1.5 (b)(d). ¶1. (C) MFA Deputy U/S for Bilateral Political Affairs Baki Ilkin summoned reps from UNSC member countries April 11 to convey in a meandering fashion Ankara's concern with the "funny game" being played by Greek Cypriots in the UN. -------------- It's Not Fair! -------------- ¶2. (C) While admitting that Turkish Cypriot leader Denktas had been outmaneuvered by Cyprus President Papadopoulos at the Hague, Ilkin decried Greek Cypriots for: (1) wanting to leave out any reference to the Annan Plan in a UNSC resolution; and (2) attempting to delay a resolution until after April 16, when Cyprus will officially join the EU. His main objective was clearly to suggest that Denktas not be criticized, since the discussion of the resolution showed the Greek Cypriots' true reaction to the Annan Plan. "The Greek Cypriots will be rewarded for leaving out the Annan Plan, which they previously had accepted. How can Greek Cypriots get the credit?" he pleaded. ¶3. (C) Ilkin further noted that he, "personally," did not object to the inclusion of a reference to the Annan Plan in a UNSC resolution but said that was up to the Council members. That said, "I can't say if Turkey views the draft resolution positively" -- nor whether the GOT or Denktas accepts the Annan Plan as the basis of negotiations. In reply, DCM pointed out that US supported quick passage of a resolution that: (1) contains a clear reference to UNSYG's Good Offices mission; and (2) will keep the Annan Plan at the center of future negotiations. PEARSON