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