Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ANKARA3265
2006-06-05 14:06:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:
TURKEY/EU - NO APPARENT MOVEMENT ON PORTS ISSUE
how-toVZCZCXRO7993 PP RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHAK #3265 1561406 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 051406Z JUN 06 FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6272 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
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).
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
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