PATRIARCH AGREES TO HUMAN RIGHTS DIMENSION ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ISTANBUL 000071

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/08/2014
TAGS: PREL CU PHUM PREL TU
SUBJECT: PATRIARCH AGREES TO HUMAN RIGHTS DIMENSION ON
UPCOMING CUBA VISIT - DELIVERY OF DEMARCHE


REF: A. (A) ATHENS 4489

B. (B) STATE 338726

C. (C) STATE 309834

D. (D) HAVANA 19605

E. (E) ISTANBUL 1617


Classified By: Consul General David L. Arnett for reason 1.4 (d).



1. (C) SUMMARY: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I plans to
travel to Cuba to accept title to a rebuilt Greek Orthodox
Church in Havana. He has undertaken to raise human rights
concerns both publicly and privately while in Cuba, and has
agreed to a reception hosted by U.S., Greek, and Turkish
diplomats. Bartholomew has declined Castro's offer of a
state guest house during his visit to Cuba. Competition for
primacy in the Orthodox world with Russia remains a key
factor influencing his travel to Cuba. END SUMMARY


Deciding to go to Cuba
--------------



2. (C) Bartholomew began by thanking the Consul General and
USG for their support for him over the years. He said that
he understood USG misgivings, and respected the USG
perspective, but felt that he had to go. He said, "I am
frequently criticized by Greek nationalists for being an
instrument of Turkey. Not going would subject me to further
criticism of bowing to American influence, and would open the
USG to criticism of pressuring me against performing a
pastoral duty. As a religious man I must find balance
between these concerns and the misgivings we have about the
Cuban government."



3. (C) Bartholomew said that he was obliged to travel to
Havana to receive the deed to the church from the Cuban
government, but has taken USG concerns into account while
planning the trip. Bartholomew said he had declined an offer
of staying in an official guest house, but would instead stay
in a hotel with 1000 supporters who would also be traveling
to Cuba, most of whom, according to him, are U.S. citizens
(including Metropolitan Demetrios of the United States).
Bartholomew plans to attend a reception/luncheon for him
hosted by Greek and Turkish Ambassadors and the head of USINT
Havana. Per his usual practice, Bartholomew plans to make an
initial courtesy call on the Turkish Ambassador in his
capacity as a Turkish citizen. He said he is willing to
attend a dinner, currently in the planning stage, to be
hosted by the Turkish Ambassador.


A Human Rights Agenda
--------------



4. (C) Making reference to the prior meeting with CG
regarding planned travel to Cuba, Bartholomew said he is
planning to mention human rights concerns in his upcoming
travel to Cuba. He said that he plans to raise these
concerns both in public statements and in private meetings
with Cuban leadership, noting "I have a feeling that the USG
will be pleased." Bartholomew said, however, that he feels
he must also express gratitude to the Cuban government for
its assistance in rebuilding the church in Havana, and for
its support for Orthodoxy. He said that Cuban officials have
assured him that his church will have "complete religious
freedom" in Cuba.



5. (C) Bartholomew said he understands the concerns of other
churches in Cuba, however. He said that he had sent a note
to the Pope offering his assistance and had "just spoken with
Monsignor Georges Marovitch of the Papal Nuncio in Istanbul,
and asked if, during my visit to Cuba, I could be of help to
the Roman Catholic Church. I will attempt to use the visit
to coordinate religious work in solving some of the problems
faced by the people of Cuba."


The Russian Angle
--------------



6. (C) CG asked whether the Ecumenical Patriarch would
publicly urge the Cuban government to give permission for
building and renovation to other churches that, to date, have
been denied it. Bartholomew said that the issue of church
construction was complicated by the actions of the Russian
Orthodox Church, especially the political machinations of
President Putin and Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk.
Essentially, if Bartholomew does not go to Cuba, Castro will
give the church to the Russians, who "always build a church
wherever there is a Russian Embassy, regardless of the number
of Russian Orthodox in the area. The Russians constantly
pursue political ends through religion."

7. (C) Bartholomew continued, saying that the Russians have
tried to pressure Castro not to assist the Ecumenical
Patriarchate in Cuba, and have alleged to Castro and others
that Bartholomew is working with the CIA in Estonia to thwart
Russian aspirations there.


Comment
--------------



8. (C) The key motivating factor for Bartholomew's planned
travel to Cuba is beating the Russian Orthodox Church to the
punch. He believes that the measures he has taken (staying
in a hotel, raising human rights issues publicly and
privately, providing time to meet with diplomats separate
from Cuban government-arranged meetings) will prevent the
visit from being used as propaganda by Castro. It seems from
his tone, however, that any direct criticism of the Castro
regime will be moderate, as Bartholomew seeks to consolidate
his victory over the Russians.
ARNETT