UNCLAS HELSINKI 000110

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV CY TU FI
SUBJECT: FINLAND: REACTION TO TURKISH INITIATIVE ON CYPRUS

REF: SECSTATE 16987


1. (SBU) Poloff delivered reftel demarche to officials from
the MFA's Southeast Europe and EU Affairs offices. The Finns
expressed disappointment with the rapidity of the Cypriot
government's rejection of the Jan. 24 Turkish proposal;
however, the GoF was not surprised by the Cypriot rejection
and expects further posturing from both sides. Upcoming
Cypriot elections (May) probably influenced the decision
since many politicians are adopting a hard line toward
Turkish initiatives in hopes of bolstering their public
support. The GoF will continue to work with and through the
EU to encourage both sides to resume dialogue as soon as
possible.


2. (SBU) The Finns opined that Turkey's initiative was
helpful as a basis for further discussion and as an attempt
to jump-start the stalled process; however, there was nothing
new or groundbreaking in the Turkish proposal, only a
restatement of existing Turkish obligations. Referring to
the statement by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn (a
Finn), the Finnish officials said that by signing the Ankara
Protocol in 2005, Turkey had made commitments to the EU and
all its Member States, including Cyprus, and was expected to
meet them fully. In particular, Turkey was already obligated
to open ports to Cyprus and to take immediate and concrete
steps to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community.
From this perspective, the Turkish proposal, while welcome,
was not as substantive as it could be. An indication of
Turkey's willingness to clarify and implement reasonable
regulations governing assistance and aid programs to the
Turkish Cypriots was an important next step.


3. (SBU) Finally, when asked what the U.S. could do to
facilitate a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue,
the Finnish officials said that the U.S. could play an
important role in the UN Security Council. Russia was
blocking Security Council endorsement of the UNSYG
recommendations for a comprehensive settlement. American
efforts to encourage Moscow to drop its opposition to an
official endorsement would be helpful.
HYATT