Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ANKARA1666
2006-03-29 12:56:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:  

TURKEY/BELARUS: TURKEY KEEPING A LOW PROFILE ON

Tags:  PREL PHUM CVIS BO TU 
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VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHAK #1666 0881256
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 291256Z MAR 06
FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4376
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES PRIORITY
RUEHBM/AMEMBASSY BUCHAREST PRIORITY 0844
RUEHSK/AMEMBASSY MINSK PRIORITY 0365
RUEHSF/AMEMBASSY SOFIA PRIORITY 1009
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO PRIORITY 4898
RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE PRIORITY 0774
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 001666 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/29/2016
TAGS: PREL PHUM CVIS BO TU
SUBJECT: TURKEY/BELARUS: TURKEY KEEPING A LOW PROFILE ON
BELARUS

REF: A. STATE 46172


B. STATE 46976

Classified By: Political Counselor Janice G. Weiner for reasons
1.4 (b,d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 001666

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/29/2016
TAGS: PREL PHUM CVIS BO TU
SUBJECT: TURKEY/BELARUS: TURKEY KEEPING A LOW PROFILE ON
BELARUS

REF: A. STATE 46172


B. STATE 46976

Classified By: Political Counselor Janice G. Weiner for reasons
1.4 (b,d).


1. (C) We shared ref b points concerning our talks with EU
member states on responding to Belarus elections with MFA
Commonwealth of Independent States Department Head Meltem
Buyukkarakas on March 28. We asked if Turkey has considered
making public statements concerning the fraudulent elections
in Belarus and the subsequent mass arrests of opposition
protesters. We also inquired about Turkey-Belarus relations
and the nature of bilateral contacts.


2. (C) Buyukkarakas told us that Turkey is not considering
public statements critical of the Lukashenka regime at this
time but continues to monitor the situation. She noted that
Turkey had not responded to the Belarusian request for a
congratulatory message following the election results and
continues to align itself with most EU positions concerning
Belarus. She said that Turkey does not formally abide by
current EU travel restrictions on selected Belarusian
individuals, but has had no recent political level contacts
with Belarusian officials. She added that "technical level"
visits may occur, but was not aware of any ongoing contacts.
(Note. The last high-level official visit we are aware of was
a trade delegation led by State Minister Tuzmen to Minsk in
March, 2005. End Note.)


3. (C) Buyukkarakas explained that Turkey supports
democratization and human rights in Belarus but believes that
little will be gained by isolating Minsk; Turkey will instead
focus on "constructive criticism." She stated that Turkey
agrees the election was fraudulent; Turkish OSCE observers
fully concur with the OSCE's report. However, Turkey will
seek to keep open lines of communication with Minsk, while
avoiding high-level contacts.


4. (C) We drew Buyukkarakas' attention to our discussions
with EU members and other candidate states on travel
restrictions on Lukashenka and other regime figures. We
suggested the MFA review any planned technical contacts with
Belarus to ensure they do not involve Belarusian security
personnel or others who might be implicated in election fraud
or human rights abuses. We also urged the MFA to consider a
public statement expressing concern for the situation in
Belarus and support for victims of human rights abuses there.
Buyukkarakas promised to convey our suggestions to senior
MFA officials.


5. (SBU) European diplomats here have told us they have
received no instructions so far to approach Turkey on Belarus.

Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/

MCELDOWNEY