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