Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03ANKARA2812
2003-04-30 13:32:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:  

TURKEY/CYPRUS: TURKS ENCOURAGED BY FREE FLOW OF

Tags:  PREL TU CY 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 002812 

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/30/2013
TAGS: PREL TU CY
SUBJECT: TURKEY/CYPRUS: TURKS ENCOURAGED BY FREE FLOW OF
PEOPLE ON ISLAND BUT WORRIED GREEK CYPRIOTS TRYING TO
UNDERMINE UNFICYP

(U) Classified by DCM Robert S. Deutsch. Reason: 1.5 (b,d).


C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 002812

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/30/2013
TAGS: PREL TU CY
SUBJECT: TURKEY/CYPRUS: TURKS ENCOURAGED BY FREE FLOW OF
PEOPLE ON ISLAND BUT WORRIED GREEK CYPRIOTS TRYING TO
UNDERMINE UNFICYP

(U) Classified by DCM Robert S. Deutsch. Reason: 1.5 (b,d).



1. (C) Summary: Turkish MFA is encouraged by the flow of
people between the two sides on Cyprus and plans to open
additional gates. Nevertheless, MFA is concerned that the
Greek Cypriots are attempting to restrict UNFICYP's important
role in the buffer zone, which would undermine the current
positive atmosphere on the island. End summary.



2. (C) MFA Cyprus DG Ertugrul Apakan summoned US and UK reps
to discuss the flow of people between the two sides. Apakan
averred that Turkey views positively the large numbers of
people who have traveled to the north and south. Noting that
there has been only one security incident thus far, Apakan
explained that according to Turkish figures since April 23,
107,125 Greek Cypriots and 29,613 Turkish Cypriots have
crossed to the other side. Turkey wants to maintain the
current positive atmosphere on Cyprus and has no intention to
rescind allowing passage between the two sides, he said.



3. (C) Apakan noted that Turkish Cypriot authorities are now
allowing tourists to stay in the north for three days and
plan to open a total of four gates on the Turkish Cypriot
side. In response to DCM's query on where Turkish policies
will lead, Apakan replied that Turkey wants to remove
barriers to a lasting, negotiated solution. Apakan cited
what he said was F.M. Gul's recent statement in Brussels that
Turkey "wants to bridge gaps and differences based on the
Annan Plan" but stopped short of embracing the UNSYG's plan.



4. (C) Nevertheless, Apakan noted, there are unsubstantiated
reports that some groups are trying to create provocations
that could spoil the current environment. Apakan claimed
that unions are attempting to organize potentially
destabilizing demonstrations on May 1 and that Greek Cypriot
motorcyclists may plan some unspecified "unhelpful" action.



5. (C) Even more troubling to Turkey, Apakan explained, is an
apparent statement by the Greek Cypriot Interior Minister
calling for UNFICYP to cease its role in regulating the
buffer zones between border gates. Apakan explained that
although they do not perform any inspections themselves, UN
peacekeepers in the buffer zone play a vital role in
facilitating the free passage of Greek and Turkish Cypriots
between sides -- a role, he said, which is within the
existing UNFICYP mandate. Apakan repeatedly stressed that
GOT wants UNFICYP to stay and maintain its current functions.
He further noted that Turkish missions abroad will be
contacting USG, UN, and UK officials to convey Turkish
sensitivities. We indicated that the U.S. would continue to
support UNFICYP fulfilling its mandate and promised to inform
the Dept and USUN of Turkey's concerns.
PEARSON