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