Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05ANKARA3165
2005-06-06 15:06:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:  

CONGRESSIONAL TURKEY STUDY GROUP/CODEL WEXLER

Tags:  PREL ECON SY CY IZ PHUM 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 05 ANKARA 003165 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/06/2015
TAGS: PREL ECON SY CY IZ PHUM
SUBJECT: CONGRESSIONAL TURKEY STUDY GROUP/CODEL WEXLER
VISIT TURKEY, MAY 31-JUNE 2


(U) Classified by CDA James Moore, E.O. 12958, reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 05 ANKARA 003165

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/06/2015
TAGS: PREL ECON SY CY IZ PHUM
SUBJECT: CONGRESSIONAL TURKEY STUDY GROUP/CODEL WEXLER
VISIT TURKEY, MAY 31-JUNE 2


(U) Classified by CDA James Moore, E.O. 12958, reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: The Congressional Turkey Study Group
visited Turkey May 31 - June 2, meeting with PM Erdogan, FM
Gul, CHOD Ozkok, Economy Minster and chief EU negotiator
Babacan, DefMin Gonul, Parliament Speaker Arinc. Media
coverage was positive, even from normally anti-U.S. outlets.
All expressed appreciation for the Group's direct flight to
and from north Cyprus. On Iraq, most interlocutors focused
on areas of U.S./Turkish cooperation and the need to continue
it. The Group raised Turkey's warming relations with Syria
several times, including with the PM, but made little
headway. Economy Minister Babacan emphasized the GOT's
commitment to economic reform. In Istanbul, the Group
discussed religious freedom with Jewish community and
Ecumenical Patriarchate representatives. End Summary.

Media Atmospherics
--------------


2. (U) The Study Group,s visit to northern Cyprus generated
uniformly positive coverage, even in media outlets generally
hostile to the United States. A front-page story in the
mainstream daily &Milliyet8 hailed the visit as &an
historic step,8 and one of the paper,s more anti-American
columnists wrote that the visit showed that &the Americans
can do what the EU can,t.8 In the Islamist-oriented &Yeni
Safak,8 a paper generally brimming with hostility to the U.
S., the headline was Representative Whitfield,s comment: &I
hope President Papadopoulos Got the Message.8 All media
outlets viewed the visit as a breakthrough for Turkish
Cypriots, and many interpreted it as a U.S. effort to bring
the Greek Cypriots back to the negotiating table. Many
commentators argued that the delegation's visit would
significantly improve the atmosphere in U.S.-Turkish
relations on the eve of the Prime Minister,s visit to
Washington.

Parliament Speaker Arinc
--------------


3. (C) Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) Speaker Arinc
emphasized the importance of inter-parliamentary visits. He
expressed satisfaction with his recent visit to the U.S. and
encouraged more exchanges between U.S. members of Congress

and Turkish parliamentarians. Arinc and two other TGNA
members attending the meeting -- Egemen Bagis (AKP) and
Mustafa Elekdag (CHP) -- applauded the Study Group for their
important and courageous decision to visit northern Cyprus.
Arinc also stated, however, that "we need to eliminate
outside influences on our relationship." (Comment: Most
likely directed against the Greek and Armenian lobbies in the
U.S. End Comment.)

PM Erdogan
--------------


4. (C) Expressing appreciation for the Study Group's trip
directly to north Cyprus and back, Erdogan reiterated GOT
complaints about the Republic of Cyprus' entry into the EU
despite rejecting the Annan Plan referendum. Asserting that
the U.S.-Turkish strategic partnership continues, Erdogan
called the Study Group an important vehicle to improve
strategic cooperation. He complained at length about
Armenian diaspora efforts to obtain genocide resolutions.
Erdogan called for more determination from the U.S. side to
raise bilateral trade (i.e., Turkish exports),and looked in
particular to new efforts from the Study Group.


5. (C) Representative Whitfield emphasized the importance of
building personal trust even if on some issues there could be
significant differences of opinion. In praising Erdogan's
policies on Cyprus and Afghanistan, Representative Wexler
noted concerns about the AKP government's policies toward
Syria. As even the MFA's former Undersecretary Ziyal had
underscored, the only way to be successful with Syria is to
apply consistent, unified pressure on its regime. In this
regard, compared to the U.S., western Europe, and Syria's
Arab neighbors, Turkey's posture appears different.


6. (C) Erdogan rejected this analysis. He claimed Turkey's
role in Syria's pullout from Lebanon was "very large." It
was after Erdogan's and during President Sezer's subsequent
visit that Assad said he would withdraw; thus, the Turkish
visits caused the withdrawal. He asserted that Assad is open
to democracy and reform, adding that patience is needed.
Turkey is able to cooperate with Syria against terrorism,
both PKK and "religious terrorists."

State Minister Babacan
--------------


7. (C) Economy Minister (and newly-named EU Chief
Negotiator) Ali Babacan briefed the Study Group on positive
developments in the Turkish economy since the 2001 financial
crisis. Babacan reiterated the GOT's commitment to a tight
fiscal policy and central bank independence. Stressing the
importance of foreign investment and the GOT's interest in
encouraging foreign investment, he said that continued
economic and political stability and predictability should
encourage greater FDI in Turkey.


8. (C) Babacan acknowledged Turkey needs to do more to
improve the investment climate; legal and judicial reform
were particularly important. He noted that bilateral trade
with the U.S. was growing at a slower pace than Turkey's
overall foreign trade, and said that the U.S. should remain
an important economic partner for Turkey even as Turkey grew
closer to the EU. The World Bank would support reforms, but
he predicted the IMF's role will decline as economic
stability becomes better entrenched. Representatives
Whitfield and Wexler emphasized the importance of a clean and
fair judicial system. Wexler highlighted the problems faced
by U.S. companies, notably Motorola and Eli Lily.


9. (C) Babacan said the AKP government was committed to
legal reform, but that had to proceed carefully so as not be
accused of eroding judicial independence. He cited
Motorola's problems as an example of how the courts had
stymied the GOT's efforts to recover funds stolen by the Uzan
family (which defrauded GOT-insured depositors in its banks
as well as Motorola) and its efforts to reach a final
settlement with Motorola.

FM Gul
--------------


10. (C) Calling relations with the U.S. "special", Gul asked
the Study Group for its views. Representative Whitfield
undertook to pursue more initiatives to end the isolation of
northern Cyprus. Praising various GOT initiatives,
Representative Wexler reiterated Washington's concern over
Syria, Assad's sponsorship of terrorism, and Syria's negative
role in Iraq. If Erdogan were to give to President Bush the
same response he had given the Study Group, the reaction
would be one of extraordinary astonishment. In Washington
talks at the end of May, Abu Mazen and his delegation said
that the Palestinians' major concern is not Sharon or Israel,
but rather Hizbollah. Moreover, Hizbollah's continued
existence as a separate armed force is inconsistent with
Lebanon's exercise of sovereignty. What message does the GOT
deliver to the Syrians and Iranians regarding Hizbollah?


11. (C) Gul answered merely by expressing in general terms
common Turkish-U.S. interests in democracy in the region and
praising the Study Group's visit to northern Cyprus.
Regarding Syria, Gul said Turkey wants to see common values
flourish in the whole region. Old habits continue, to be
sure, but Syria is Turkey's neighbor; families are separated,
creating a humanitarian issue. Gul opined that Turkey's
approach is helping Syria change positively. There are
different power centers in Syria, Turkey is realistic, and
the U.S. should see Turkey's relations with Syria in this
overall context.


12. (C) Concerning Iraq, Gul said the danger is that the
country will become a new breeding ground for terrorists and
terrorism will become more problematic in the future as a
result. Gul called for greater U.S./Turkish cooperation.
The GOT appreciated U.S. efforts to encourage Ja'afari to
visit Ankara for what were very good talks.


13. (C) Concerning Lebanon and Hizbollah, Gul asserted that
Hariri had been "a good friend". However, Lebanon is
fragile, and we should all help the Lebanese, but through
gradual steps. Gul thought it be possible to create unified
Lebanese forces including Hizbollah and said all should help
them.

CHOD Ozkok
--------------


14. (C) Turkish General Staff (TGS) Chief General Hilmi Ozkok
welcomed the Congressional Study Group warmly. He provided a
brief history of US-Turkish security cooperation. Ozkok
allowed that the Iraq War was "a little different" because of
the March 1, 2003 parliamentary vote preventing the 4th
Infantry Division from passing through Turkey. Nonetheless,
he argued, this was only a part of the Iraq operation. The
uncertainty of what Turkey would do before March 1 and
whether the vote might be reconsidered kept Iraqi troops
fixed in the north. Turkey opened its air space to coalition
aircraft and missiles, and permitted special forces and
intelligence personnel and even vehicles to transit. Any
accusation that Turkey did not cooperate with the war effort
was "cruel."


15. (C) Ozkok said another example of close
military-to-military cooperation among the two countries'
senior officers was the July 4 incident in Suleymania (when
US forces arrested Turkish special forces for plotting to
kill a local mayor). Ozkok said the frank discussions he was
able to have with SACEUR/EUCOM CDR General James Jones and
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard Myers
because of their long-standing close relationship helped
contain the damage that incident inflicted on the
relationship. U.S. press reports about problems within the
bilateral relationship caused TGS to reexamine the state of
affairs. The conclusion was that, while there are problems,
there is no crisis in relations. He denied the existence of
anti-Americanism in Turkey, allowing only that there was a
temporary rise in suspicions about U.S. intentions in the
region.


16. (C) Ozkok was effusive in expressing appreciation for the
Group's visit to northern Cyprus. Representative Wexler said
that he and his colleagues would be considering other steps
to help ease the Turkish Cypriots' isolation. He also
expressed appreciation for PM Erdogan's handling of the
issue. Ozkok believed the trip to the north would help
resolve the Cyprus issue, but worried the Greek Cypriots
believed time was on their side. Turkey had already agreed
in the Annan Plan to reduce its military presence to 650
persons, now it was the other side's turn, but little
attention is paid to the south's military forces. Pressure
on Nicosia from the U.S. or the UK would help, he said.


17. (C) Turning to regional issues, Ozkok expressed strong
support for the Broader Middle East and North Africa
Initiative (BMENAI),asserting that democratization in the
region benefits Turkey's security. He devoted several
minutes to an explanation about why Turks chafe when others
refer to Turkey as an "Islamic country;" "secularism is
essential for democracy," he declared. He also argued that
Turkey should not be considered a "model" for the region,
although he accepted that it might inspire others to strive
for democracy.


18. (C) Regarding Central Asia, he worried competition for
access to the region's resources by China, Russia and India
would require Turkey and the U.S. to move quickly to ensure
their own access and market share. Ozkok observed that the
importance of the Black Sea was increasing, and that there
were suspicions of various forms of trafficking and persons
occurring in the region. He thought the littoral states
should have primary responsibility for maintaining security
in the maritime area. Having others do it could run up
against Montreaux Convention limitations on foreign warships
in the straits and in the Black Sea, he said.


19. (C) Representative Wexler expressed appreciation for
Ozkok's presentation, for Turkey's contributions to
Afghanistan, and for Turkey's hosting for a decade the forces
that enforced the northern no-fly zone (NFZ) over Iraq that
contributed to preparing the battlefield for the Iraq War.
Ozkok agreed about the NFZ preparing the battlefield, and
noted that doing so gave rise to Kurdish autonomy that could
create problems for Turkey later.


20. (C) Wexler noted that there was confusion over the
messages Turkey seemed to be sending on Syria. Coordinating
Turkish policy toward Syria and Iraq with the USG would be
important for the future of the relationship. He hoped Ozkok
was giving the PM good advice.


21. (C) Representative Whitfield relayed CJCS Gen. Myers'
regards to Ozkok. He noted that senior officers at Fort
Campbell, in his district, had emphasized Turkey's
importance. He thanked Ozkok for his leadership.
Representatives Deal and Johnson echoed Whitfield's remarks.


22. (C) Representative Wexler asked Ozkok for his assessment
of Iran's nuclear program and asked why Turkey had not taken
any initiatives in the OIC on the issue. Ozkok demurred,
saying that this was a political matter more appropriately
addressed to MFA. Nonetheless, he offered that Turkey needed
to be a bit "softer" with its neighbors; however, that did
not mean that Turkey did not share the same evaluation of the
threat. The nuclear axis -- China, India, Pakistan, maybe
Iran -- is approaching Turkey. Iran's beginning nuclear
enrichment would "make it difficult for me to sleep," he
said. He advocated a peaceful solution, like the EU-3
process, that took into account the emotional nature of the
Iranian people and their perceptions of the world.

DefMin Gonul
--------------


23. (C) Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul hosted a lunch for the
delegation where he highly praised the Group for the visit to
north Cyprus. He welcomed the opportunity to meet with "true
friends" to discuss bilateral relations and ways to improve
security and cooperation around the world. He said that he
viewed Turkey and the U.S. as "two indispensable partners,
and we must act like it." Turning to regional issues, Gonul
declared Turkey's support in bringing peace, prosperity and
stability to Iraq, citing the approval of the Incirlik
logistics cargo hub. He noted that eliminating the PKK
presence in Iraq would be important in stabilizing Iraq and
greatly appreciated by the Turkish people. He pointed to the
BTC pipeline as an example of the U.S. and Turkey's "unique
partnership." He closed by expressing appreciation for the
delegation members' courage in standing up to pressure on
issues such as the Armenian genocide resolution.


24. (C) Representative Wexler responded by noting that the
Study Group was one of only four in Congress and its
existence reflects the importance of the bilateral
relationship. He noted that the great friendship the two
countries enjoyed allowed for the discussion of problems in a
positive way. On the genocide resolution, he praised
Erdogan's transparency in opening Turkey's archives and
called on Armenia to reciprocate. Finally, on the
delegation's visit to north Cyprus, Wexler characterized it
as a symbolic gesture to end isolation, and he reiterated
that the delegation would explore other steps after it
returned to Washington. He commended Erdogan and Turkey for
embracing the Annan Plan.

PM Erdogan Advisor Celik
--------------


25. (C) After the Study Group departed, Representative
Wexler met individually with PM Erdogan policy advisor (and
parliamentarian) Omer Celik. Wexler pressed Celik hard on
Syria and Iran. In an arid, jargon-filled, abstract
response, Celik claimed he is the voice of pro-Western
reason, whereas some others in the GOT do not recognize the
dangers. However, he added, it is important to proceed
prudently.

PM Erdogan Advisor Davutoglu
--------------


26. (C) Representative Wexler also delivered a tough message
on Syria to Erdogan foreign policy advisor Ahmet Davutoglu.
Davutoglu claimed to be pleased at the "direct"
communication. He justified Turkey's warming relations with
Syria as part of Turkey's strategy to achieve "stability" and
reduce tension in relations with neighboring countries. He
urged Wexler not to misperceive Turkish intentions toward
Syria: Turkey does not support totalitarianism, seeks a more
democratic Syria, and has urged Syria not to interfere in
Lebanon.


27. (C) Ambassador Edelman replied that, given Davutoglu's
recitation of Turkey's policy aims, its Syrian strategy has
been an abject failure: despite Turkey's supposed urgings
over the past months, Syria manipulated Lebanese politics,
delayed withdrawal, and is at least indirectly responsible
for Hariri's murder. Moreover, the international community
has perceived Turkish policy as a lifeline to the Assad
regime. The Ambassador warned Davutoglu that this policy is
not credible in Washington. Davutoglu doubted that pressure
would have been more effective; he then changed the subject,
citing Turkey's domestic reforms and its policy in other
areas. The Ambassador told Davutoglu PM Erdogan would hear
more about Turkey's Syria policy in Washington. "We will try
to develop convincing arguments," Davutoglu replied.

Istanbul Meetings
--------------


28. (C) In Istanbul, the Study Group focused on religious
freedom issues, meeting both with representatives of the
Jewish Community and of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Discussion with Jewish Community President Silvyo Ovadyo and
Vice Presidents Sami Herman and Lina Filiba focused on the
recent surge of anti-semitism in Turkey, including the
worrying fact that "Mein Kampf" has made several bestseller
lists. Ovadyo stressed his belief, however, that modern
technology has made the surge seem more dramatic than it
actually is. Anti-Semitic writings in obscure journals have
always existed in Turkey, he argued. The difference today is
that with the internet, such opinions are more accessible to
a broader audience, which makes them seem more prevalent. He
questioned, however, whether that in fact was the case. At
the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Metropolitan Meliton of
Philadelphia outlined the property, educational, and
succession issues that confront the institution, and
presented a paper to Representative Whitfield providing
further details.


29. (C) In addition, the Study Group participated in events
commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Turkish-American
Business Council (TAIK),with retired Representatives Larocco
and Buechner participating in morning panel discussions at
Bogazici University, and Representative Whitfield delivering
the keynote address at TAIK's anniversary dinner.


30. (U) The Study Group/Wexler CODEL did not have an
opportunity to clear this cable.
MOORE