TURKEY/PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY - RUMORED HAMAS VISIT

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 000657 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/14/2016 TAGS: PREL PTER KPAL IS TU SUBJECT: TURKEY/PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY - RUMORED HAMAS VISIT TO TURKEY APPEARS ON HOLD Classified By: Ambassador Ross Wilson for reasons 1.4 (B,D). ¶1. (C) Amid rumors of an impending Hamas visit to Turkey, Israeli DCM Emmanuel Nahshon informed us February 14 that Israeli FM Livni had spoken at lngth to Turkish FM Gul the evening of Februar 13. In what Nahshon described as a long and positive conversation, Livni presented Israeli views on Hamas to Gul, who said he agreed completely. According to Nahshon, Gul promised "not to do anything that would surprise the Israelis," which Livni understood to mean there would be no Hamas visit at this time. Gul did add, however, "I hope I will not be surprised." The Israeli embassy here believes the MFA has been instructed not to organize any visit at this time. Nahshon added that he briefed the Germans on this in advance of German FM Steinmeier's visit to Ankara the evening of February 14. ¶2. (C) Israeli diplomats had earlier informed us that the GOT was planning to invite the Hamas representatives and justified its decision on the grounds that Hamas had committed no terrorist acts in the past year and Hamas mayors were dealing with Israeli authorities on a daily basis. On February 13, an Egyptian diplomat related to us his understanding that Hamas would come to Ankara. Our repeated inquiries here produced professions of ignorance about any invitation or planned visit, but working level MFA officials were clearly uncomfortable in conversations with both us and the Israelis. ¶3. (U) Today's Turkish press reports that the USG had warned Turkey not to meet with Hamas. In responding to inquiries, the Embassy spokesperson is drawing upon the following points derived from A/S McCormack's remarks on the issue last week: -- We have an ongoing dialogue with Turkey about issues related to Middle East peace and have discussed the most recent developments with Turkish authorities in Washington and Ankara. -- The international community has delivered a very clear message to Hamas on the need to renounce terrorism and disband the militias, to recognize the right of Israel to exist, and to live up to the international obligations the Palestinian Authority has undertaken. It was a positive step that Prime Minister Erdogan reflected this view in remarks he made in Davos late last month. -- We believe any meeting with Hamas should deliver this same message and make clear in all discussion the steps that Hamas needs to take to achieve international legitimacy. ¶4. (C) Comment. We see the hand of PM Erdogan's foreign policy advisor Ahmed Davutoglu in possible discussions with Hamas about visiting Turkey, though at whose instigation is unclear. Davutoglu has claimed that Erdogan is held in "great respect" by Hamas leaders. Any contacts could have taken place from the Prime Ministry without the knowledge of mid-level or senior MFA officials -- probably including Gul. End Comment. WILSON