TURKEY/EU - NO APPARENT MOVEMENT ON PORTS ISSUE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 003265 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2021 TAGS: PREL EU UN TU CY SUBJECT: TURKEY/EU - NO APPARENT MOVEMENT ON PORTS ISSUE (U) Classified by Political Counselor Janice G. Weiner, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) A downbeat Turkish MFA Northeastern Mediterranean Deputy Director General Bilman told us June 5 there has been no progress on either opening Famagusta port or referral to EU dispute resolution mechanisms of the ports/airports issue. On Famagusta, the MFA appears to be relying on the UN and EU to come up with a proposal. Bilman said, "The UN has done nothing" on Famagusta, acknowledging the UN is reluctant to get involved in what is an EU matter. ¶2. (C) Bilman said the MFA has not yet raised with Turkey's political leadership the idea of referring the ports/airports issue to either the European Court of Justice (ECJ) or arbitration. The MFA has asked three international legal experts for opinions on 1) the advantages and disadvantages of this route; 2) which forum would be best for Turkey; and 3) the best way to proceed. Bilman expects their opinions by the end of June. ¶3. (C) Bilman is not optimistic that Turkey will make a move on ECJ or arbitration before this fall's implementation review. He doubts that such a move would obtain either EU unanimity or the agreement of Turkey's political leadership. Moreover, Bilman said Turkey is getting increasing signals from the EU that failure to open ports and airports could result in a complete halt in negotiations, not just freezing specific chapters. Bilman reiterated that Turkey will not unilaterally open ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft this year -- it is politically too hard with country already in pre-election mode. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON