TURKEY: MFA RESPONDS POSITIVELY TO GME POINTS,

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 002422 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/29/2014 TAGS: KMPI PREL EAID XF PK TU SUBJECT: TURKEY: MFA RESPONDS POSITIVELY TO GME POINTS, PAPERS REF: SECSTATE 86312 (U) Classified by Deputy PolCouns C.O. Blaha, Reasons 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (C) In an April 29 meeting, Emboff delivered reftel talking points and draft papers to Turkish MFA Middle East Department Section Chief Hasan Sekizkok. Emboff 1) reviewed GME points raised by U/S Larson and A/S Burns during their April 13 briefing, 2) solicited tangible GOT input on developing ideas and implementing projects, and 3) emphasized Turkey's role as a partner in GMEI, not a target. Sekizkok compared the draft papers to previous drafts leaked to local media, noting 1) that he views the changes as positive, 2) that the changes appear to reflect genuine efforts to address themes presented by Arab leaders, particularly declarations from the Arab Business Council, the Alexandria Library conference, and the Sanaa conference, and 3) that changes include encouraging, softened language that target countries will be less likely to dismiss summarily. ¶2. (C) Sekizkok had reviewed reftel points, which had already been given to him by the Turkish Embassy in Washington. He noted continued support from the GOT, but claimed GMEI will not go far until it includes concrete language clearly defining a U.S. commitment to a "just and lasting settlement" of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. As is, Sekizkok asserted, the GMEI will have no credibility until it attempts to address, in concrete terms, Arab-Israeli peace issues. If language on the Israel-Palestine conflict is included, Emboff asked Sekizkok how he would prevent other countries from delaying GME progress for as long as the conflict continued. He had no answer. ¶3. (C) Sekizkok hoped that GMEI will be a "living process," adaptable to country-specific and culturally sensitive differences, that includes participation from G-8 and other interested countries. Sekizkok also asserted that G-8 sponsorship for any regional reform initiatives would be much less controversial than independent U.S. sponsorship. He noted GOT appreciation for omitting Turkey in the newest papers from the geographical category of ME states. ¶4. (C) Sekizkok asserted the MFA will continue to study GMEI and endeavor to provide concrete input and ideas. "This is a good paper," he noted. "If the countries of the Middle East can start with this paper, Turkey can too." EDELMAN EDELMAN