TURKEY/JORDAN: JORDANIAN PM BAKHIT FINDS BROAD

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 000317

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/27/2016
TAGS: PREL PINR TU JO IZ IR SY XF
SUBJECT: TURKEY/JORDAN: JORDANIAN PM BAKHIT FINDS BROAD
AGREEMENT IN ANKARA

REF: ANKARA 0264

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

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Summary
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1. (C) Jordanian Prime Minister Bakhit, accompanied by
Foreign Minister Khatib, came to Ankara January 16 to review
regional issues prior to King Abdullah's planned visit to
Washington, according to Foreign Ministry and Jordanian
embassy sources. Bilateral trade issues were discussed as
well. The Jordanian government is seeking an "enhanced and
sustained" dialogue with Turkey on regional issues in
particular. On Iraq, both sides reportedly stressed the need
for a broadly inclusive Iraqi government and for continued
efforts to keep the Sunnis on board. They expressed hope
that Middle East Peace Process momentum would continue
following upcoming elections in Israel and the PA; the
Jordanians focused specifically on the need to give
additional support to PA President Abbas. The two sides
agreed Syria must cooperate with UNIIIC and expressed
concerns over the effect of Syrian behavior on security and
political stability in Lebanon. Bilaterally, Turkish and
Jordanian officials committed to work harder to conclude a
free trade agreement this year. Bakhit was Jordan's
ambassador to Turkey until February, 2005 and maintains
strong ties with senior GOT officials. End Summary.

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Broad Agreement on Iraq, MEPP, Syria and Iran
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2. (C) MFA Middle East Department Head Sedat Onal and a
Jordanian embassy contact told us separately that the two
sides found themselves in broad agreement on regional issues.
The GOT characterized Iraq's elections, with greater Sunni
participation and higher turnout than previously, as an
important step forward. Turkey wants a broad-based
government capable of producing reconciliation and national
unity in Iraq, and Turkish officials highlighted to their
Jordanian counterparts their particular concerns with
Kirkuk's status,the situation of the Turkmen minority, and
the sharing of natural resources. The Jordanians reportedly
agreed and stressed in turn the necessity of keeping the
Sunnis on board. According to the MFA, Bakhit worried that
signals from the larger Iraqi parties that they did not
consider the reform of the constitution a high priority
threatened to disillusion Sunnis who participated after being
promised their constitutional worries would be addressed
early on.


3. (C) Turning to the Middle East Peace Process, the Turkish
side noted the importance of Israel's withdrawal from Gaza
and opening of the Rafah crossing, hoping that the roadmap
would be revitalized after elections in Israel and the
Palestinian territories. Turkish officials also briefed
their Jordanian counterparts on the recent Turkey-Israel MOU
whereby Turkey will manage the Erez Industrial Zone in Gaza
(reftel). For their part, Bakhit and Khatib characterized PA
President Abbas as the only viable option and said he needs
additional support. The Jordanians also stressed the crucial
role of the United States and the need for sustained U.S.
interest in the peace process.


4. (C) Onal and the Jordanian embassy both told us that
Jordanian and Turkish officials agreed Syria must cooperate
with UNIIIC and both underscored the importance of Lebanon's
sovereignty. Both sides expressed concern that Syrian
behavior continued to cause security problems and disrupt the
domestic political scene in Lebanon. On Iran, Turkish
officials stressed the imperative for Tehran to rebuild
confidence in the West and tone down its rhetoric. The
Jordanians agreed but had little to add.

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Still Working on Free Trade Agreement
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5. (C) Onal and the Jordanian embassy agreed the two sides
have no serious bilateral political differences. However,
both countries believe bilateral trade, at under USD 300
million/year, is languishing at levels far below potential.
Efforts to conclude a bilateral free trade agreement continue
but the Jordanians maintain reservations about opening their
markets in certain sectors (NFI). The Jordanian embassy
noted that Jordan is hoping Turkey will be willing to
compromise on market access issues. Both sides anticipate
resolving or bypassing remaining differences and concluding a
free trade agreement in 2006. PM Erdogan highlighted
Turkey's improved investment climate, with foreign investors
now enjoying all incentives previously available only to
domestic investors.

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Turkish Embezzler in Jordan?
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6. (SBU) Bakhit was reportedly asked at a press
availability about the rumored presence in Jordan of fugitive
Hakan Uzan and members of his family. The Uzan family is
sought for corrupt financial dealings that led to the
collapse of the Imar bank and the loss of billions of
dollars. According to Turkish press reports, Bakhit
acknowledged the Uzans came to Jordan as investors and
received some kind of residence documents, which the
Jordanian government has since revoked. Bakhit told the
press he had no information on the Uzans' current
whereabouts. The MFA told us the Uzan affair was not
discussed officially with the Jordanian delegation.

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Bakhit's Turkey Connection
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7. (SBU) PM Bakhit was Jordanian ambassador to Turkey until
February, 2005 when he was assigned as ambassador to Israel
and subsequently became Prime Minister. According to the
Jordanian embassy here, Bakhit maintains particularly good
relations with Turkish officials and is personally committed
to close consultation with Turkey on regional and bilateral
issues.
WILSON