TURKISH MFA ON GEORGIA/AJARA

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 002543 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/05/2014 TAGS: GG PREL TU SUBJECT: TURKISH MFA ON GEORGIA/AJARA REF: 5 MAY 2004 BLAHA E-MAIL (U) Classified by DCM Robert Deutsch, E.O. 12958, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) On May 4, the GOT issued a public announcement about Georgia saying that Turkey is following with concern developments in Georgia and Ajara; noting that Turkey considers Georgian stability important; calling for the sides to act with moderation; welcoming the Georgian MFA's May 2 announcement; and promising to continue good relations with all of Georgia (ref). Turkish MFA Caucasus Department Head Adali told us the GOT issued the announcement at the Georgian Government's request. ¶2. (C) Adali claims the GOT is trying to send the message to Abashidze that "his time is over" and he should leave. If he leaves, the Turks worry that he may come to Turkey (probably the city of Trabzon),at least in transit. Adali said the GOT would prefer Abashidze go directly to Moscow instead. ¶3. (C) The Turkish CG in Batumi believes that a Russian general with explosives and engineering training gave Abashidze technical advice on how to blow up the bridges on May 2. Adali gave no details about the source of the CG's information; it sounded to us like speculation. EDELMAN