TURKISH MFA: FAVORABLE TEXT IN UNFICYP REPORT MAY

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 001070 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/28/2015 TAGS: PREL TU CY SUBJECT: TURKISH MFA: FAVORABLE TEXT IN UNFICYP REPORT MAY HELP EASE RESTRICTIONS (U) Classified by Political Counselor John Kunstadter, E.O. 12958, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) In a February 25 conversation, Turkish MFA Acting DDG for Northeastern Mediterranean Affairs Bilman said he thinks favorable language in the next UNFICYP report could persuade the Turkish military to lift some restrictions on UNFICYP movements. ¶2. (C) Bilman asserts that he has been pressing to convince military authorities to lift restrictions on UNFICYP. The UN Secretariat has informed the Turkish UN delegation the next SIPDIS UNFICYP report will be finalized in April. Bilman said favorable language on two points will "boost" his efforts to get restrictions lifted: -- A clear statement that UN authorities consulted with Turkish Cypriots. Bilman pointed to the phrase in paragraph 2 of the September 2004 report saying that the Secretariat team "sought the views of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides" and called this "very important." -- A statement that Turkish Cypriots either "agreed" or "had no objections" to UN proposals. Ideally, the Turks would like to see the word "consented," but Bilman admitted this might be too strong to garner agreement. EDELMAN