LIFTING UNFICYP RESTRICTIONS: DHERINIA CROSSING

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 002215 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/19/2015 TAGS: CY PREL TU UNFICYP SUBJECT: LIFTING UNFICYP RESTRICTIONS: DHERINIA CROSSING REF: 19 APRIL 2005 JONES E-MAIL (U) Classified by Political Counselor John Kunstadter, E.O. 12958, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) We reiterated to Turkish MFA Acting DDG for Northeastern Mediterranean Affairs Bilman ref e-mail readout that, despite the opening of other crossings, Turkey will not get the language it desires in the next UNFICYP report and resolution if the Dherinia crossing remains closed. Bilman replied he is "working on it" with the Turkish military. ¶2. (C) According to Bilman, the Turks are reluctant to open Dherinia to UNFICYP because the crossing leads only to the "closed" area in Varosha. The Turks worry that lifting UNFICYP restrictions at Dherinia will fuel Greek Cypriot demands that Varosha be opened to them as well. Varosha's profile has been raised recently with a Greek Cypriot proposal that the Turkish side open Varosha in exchange for opening the Famagusta port under joint control. The Turks adamantly oppose the proposal. EDELMAN