ISRAEL AT UNGA I AND II -- TURKEY UNDECIDED

UNCLAS ANKARA 006348 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL IS TU UNGA SUBJECT: ISRAEL AT UNGA I AND II -- TURKEY UNDECIDED REF: A. STATE 188927 ¶B. STATE 188933 ¶1. (U) Poloff delivered ref demarches on the Holocaust Remembrance Resolution as well opposing anti-Israel bias to Turkish MFA Middle East department officer Cagri Sakar on October 20. Holocaust Resolution -- Israel Gives Turkey an "Out" -------------- -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Concerning the Holocaust Remembrance Resolution, Sakar said Foreign Minister Gul had spoken to Israeli FM Shalom on the margins of the UNGA. Shalom reportedly asked Gul for Turkey's support on the resolution, but also said that Israel "would understand" if Turkey is not able to do so. Speaking personally, Sakar suggested that, had Shalom made a firmer approach to Gul, the Turkish MFA would have already decided to co-sponsor the resolution. With Shalom perceived as having given Turkey an "out," however, the MFA is now taking its time to consider the consequences of co-sponsorship. Sakar said the issue is currently on FM Gul's desk for decision. Anti-Israel Bias: To be Decided, Prospects not Good -------------- -------------- ¶3. (SBU) On anti-Israel bias, Sakar admitted he had not followed the matter but undertook to report to the highest level our hope for a Turkish "no" vote or, at minimum, abstention/absence. Again speaking personally, Sakar said Turkey had long supported the Palestinians, even through the three UN bodies, and would probably continue to do so absent dramatic progress in the Middle East Peace Process. He did, however, ask about the position of EU countries. Poloff noted that none had voted "yes" last year. (Note. As an EU candidate country, Turkey appears to be in the process of aligning its positions with those of the EU. End note.) ¶4. (U) Post will follow up and report final GOT decisions on these issues as they are reached. MCELDOWNEY