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