CLASHES IN NORTHERN SYRIA CAUSE CONCERN IN SE

UNCLAS ANKARA 001624 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV TU SY IZ SUBJECT: CLASHES IN NORTHERN SYRIA CAUSE CONCERN IN SE TURKEY REF: A) BERLIN 5496, B) DAMASCUS 1313, C) DAMASCUS 1269 THIS CABLE IS FROM AMCONSUL ADANA. ¶1. (SBU) In response to the March 12 violence in Kamisli, Syria and neighboring area, Turkish officials temporarily closed the nearby Nusaybin border gate to both entry and exit, fearing the violence would spread to the Turkish side. On March 16, consulate personnel spoke with the Nusaybin subgovernor who reported that the situation remains calm in Nusaybin. Other local officials confirmed that the border gates are reopened on the Turkish side. At same time, many of the Nusaybin residents remain concerned for the safety of their relatives in Kamisli. ¶2. (SBU) As Newroz, celebrated by Kurds (and Iranians) on March 21, approaches, the potential for viiolent incidents in southeast Turkey also increases. The Kurdish oriented political party DEHAP applied for permission for celebrations in Diyarbakir, Batman, Sanliurfa, Adana and Mersin. These are expected to be large gatherings. For example, around 400,000 people participated in Diyarbakir last year. In addition, consulate has reports that the PKK successor terrorist organization Kongra-Gel issued statements that it would not accept mistreatment of Syrian Kurds and that some kind of (as yet unspecified) action might be taken. ¶3. (SBU) There are no reports of violence in Turkey related to the Kamisli clashes, but there are many opportunities for large groups with opposing views to meet under emotional circumstances. The campaigns for the local elections are in full swing with supporters meeting in large boisterous groups and posting campaign slogans everywhere. Until now, the atmosphere has been peaceful. EDELMAN