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