TURKISH MFA PLEASED WITH FREE MOVEMENT OF GREEK

UNCLAS ANKARA 002667 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL TU CY SUBJECT: TURKISH MFA PLEASED WITH FREE MOVEMENT OF GREEK AND TURKISH CYPRIOTS, PUSHES FOR FURTHER CBMS ¶1. (SBU) MFA Cyprus DG Ertugrul Apakan summoned EU and US reps to discuss the free movement of Greek and Turkish Cypriots that began on the island April 23. Apakan claimed that "TRNC President" Denktas has suggested the policy and that the GOT had supported it from the beginning. According to Apakan, the current measure allows day-time travel only but could be expanded at a later date. Apakan further noted that on April 23, 2268 Turkish Cypriots traveled to the south, while 1475 Greek Cypriots traveled north. (Note: these figures were confirmed separately by the Greek representative. End note.) No pattern has been established yet, as it appears more Greek than Turkish Cypriots crossed earlier on the 24th. Two gates are now open with a third being negotiated. No major security incidents have occurred, Apakan said. ¶2. (SBU) Apakan averred that the Turkish Cypriot administration is working on additional measures, including "normalization of the flow of goods," as part of a CBM package. Denying that the proposed CBMs are a tactical move, Apakan claimed that GOT hopes CBMs will create an atmosphere conducive to building trust. "Turkey wants a win-win." Nevertheless, Apakan underscored that no amount of CBMs would substitute for a comprehensive settlement. He carefully recited statements and proposals by Denktas in support of UN peace initiatives and called on the EU to help as a third party to resolve the Cyprus issue. PEARSON