DEMARCHE ON TURKISH RESTRICTIONS TO EMBASSY

UNCLAS ANKARA 003474 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PREL TU CY US SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON TURKISH RESTRICTIONS TO EMBASSY NICOSIA VISITS TO AMERICAN-OWNED PROPERTY REF: A. STATE110702 ¶B. NICOSIA 988 ¶C. NICOSIA 957 ¶1. We delivered ref A demarche to MFA Northeast Mediterranean Affairs A/DDG Bilman June 14. Bilman was not aware of the incident. He said he would "definitely look into the matter." However, his "first reaction" was that the restriction is "not unacceptable." He wondered whether the Vienna Convention applies to a "conflict area" and added that the U.S. needs to be aware of "sensitivities" concerning Varosha. He asked rhetorically what would happen if an FSN took a camera and photographed Varosha. ¶2. We replied that there was no conflict nor any reasonable likelihood of conflict in Varosha, and that it is the Vienna Convention right of the U.S. Embassy, not Turkish authorities, to select personnel to perform our diplomatic business. We pointed out that a contingent of six Turkish authorities accompanied Embassy Nicosia during the visit (ref B),and there was no danger of any unauthorized activity. ¶3. (C) Comment: Judging by Bilman's reaction and demaenor, the MFA is not convinced that we mean business on this issue. When Embassy Nicosia plans its next such visit we would, with Department's concurrence, request advance notice so we can again demarche the Turks energetically. End Comment. EDELMAN