Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ANKARA4162
2006-07-18 14:19:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:  

TFLE01: TURKISH REACTION TO MIDDLE EAST CRISIS:

Tags:  PGOV PREL LE TU 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 004162 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS ALL NEAR EAST COLLECTIVE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2021
TAGS: PGOV PREL LE TU
SUBJECT: TFLE01: TURKISH REACTION TO MIDDLE EAST CRISIS:
CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE, CLAIMS OF DOUBLE STANDARDS

ANKARA 00004162 001.2 OF 002


Classified by Ambassador Ross Wilson for Reasons 1.5 (b,d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 004162

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS ALL NEAR EAST COLLECTIVE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2021
TAGS: PGOV PREL LE TU
SUBJECT: TFLE01: TURKISH REACTION TO MIDDLE EAST CRISIS:
CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE, CLAIMS OF DOUBLE STANDARDS

ANKARA 00004162 001.2 OF 002


Classified by Ambassador Ross Wilson for Reasons 1.5 (b,d)


1. (C) Summary: In an overcharged environment where PKK
killings of 16 security forces in the last few days has
dovetailed with popular outcry over Israel's actions against
Hizballah, Turkish press and public reaction to Middle East
developments has been overwhelmingly negative. Media
commentary has condemned the Israeli action and fueled
popular pressure for a cross-border operation into Iraq to
retaliate for recent PKK-caused deaths. Senior GOT officials
have tried to take a more nuanced line in official
statements, calling for both ceasefire and release of
hostages, but the rising death toll -- both in the Middle
East and in Turkey as a result of PKK attacks -- is driving
enflamed and emotional rhetoric. End Summary.

--------------
MFA Statement; FM Gul Comments
--------------


2. (U) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement
July 14 noting that events that began in the Gaza Strip are
now threatening the stability of Lebanon. The Ministry
called on Israel to "end its military operation at once,"
while also calling on the other side to "release the
kidnapped soldiers immediately." FM Gul echoed the official
statement and invited everyone to work rapidly for a
cease-fire. Anatolian News Agency quotes Gul on July 14,
"There could be a great deal of instability in the region.
The first thing that needs to be done is to stop the firing,
and then to calmly look for a way out of this."

--------------
PM Erdogan More Emotional
--------------


3. (U) Semi-official Anatolian News Agency reported that PM
Erdogan told journalists on July 14 that Lebanon being
punished for the actions of Hizballah is neither
comprehensible nor humane. "This is something that is not
acceptable within the dimensions of diplomacy. These are
steps that virtually destroy the Middle East peace process.
A cease-fire needs to be reached immediately, and everyone
must think about how to achieve peace through diplomatic
means. Israel needs to reconsider its position."


4. (U) On July 16, PM Erdogan continued to call for the UN
Security Council to intervene and launch initiatives for a
cease-fire in a speech in the eastern city of Artvin. As
reported on NTV television news channel, Erdogan said nothing
can justify dropping bombs on civilians and mercilessly
making a mess of cities. He added that those who reject
global peace will sooner or later pay the price by facing
global terrorism. Anatolian News Agency later quoted Erdogan
as saying Turkey participated in the Broader Middle East and
North Africa Initiative to bring peace to the region and
"improve democracy, human rights, rule of law, freedoms and
welfare. But, there are some negative developments in the
region. So, we have to review our position."

--------------
Overall Reacton Through a PKK Lens
--------------


5. (C) Following the death of 16Turkish soldiers in the last
several days at the hands of the PKK in southeastern Turkey,
the GOT signaled Turkey would adopt much tougher measures
against the PKK. FM Gul led an extraordinary meeting of the
government's Anti-terror High Council, and the Council of
Ministers convened on July 17.


6. (U) Most newspapers on July 18 headline with accusations
against the U.S. for what they call a "double standard"

ANKARA 00004162 002.2 OF 002


regarding U.S. opposition to Turkish military operations to
fight the PKK in northern Iraq and U.S. support for Israel's
right to defend itself. MFA U/S Tuygan, who convoked the
Ambassador on July 17, is quoted extensively in mainstream
Milliyet newspaper. "Turkish people perceive as a double
standard the fact that Israel is shown tolerance while
Turkish action in northern Iraq is restrained. This fuels
anti-American sentiments. The latest strategic vision
document adopted by the U.S. and Turkey has fueled Turkish
expectations for action." Columnists on July 18 also raise
questions on the shared vision document's points regarding
the PKK, with one tabloid headlining, "What Kind of
Friendship is This?" Mainstream Hurriyet newspaper on July
18 quoted an anonymous government minister, "Now we have
asked both the Iraqi government and the U.S. to meet our
demands. Otherwise we will act on our own. If you have any
objections, then take a look at those who act on their own."
Asked whether he was referring to Israel, the minister
replied, "Isn't that clear?"

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

WILSON