Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05ANKARA6348
2005-10-20 13:48:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:  

ISRAEL AT UNGA I AND II -- TURKEY UNDECIDED

Tags:  PREL IS TU UNGA 
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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

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