DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON STEPS TO RESTRICT VISAS FOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L NICOSIA 000758 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2016 TAGS: PREL CVIS PINS SOCI SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON STEPS TO RESTRICT VISAS FOR MEMBERS OF SUDANESE JUSTICE AND EQUALITY MOVEMENT REF: SECSTATE 74589 Classified By: Ambassador Ronald L. Schlicher for reasons 1 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) On May 12, Poloff delivered reftel message to Stelios Makriyiannis, who handles Africa in the MFA's Political Affairs Division. Makriyiannis noted the U.S. decision to restrict visas to members of Sudan's Justice and Equality Movement (JEM),but made clear that the ROC did not intend to take similar action. When pressed on the issue, he simply expressed doubt that JEM members would request visa entry into Cyprus, given the historically low number of Sudanese visitors and emigrants to the country. ¶2. (C) Finding Makriyiannis' answer to be less than satisfactory, Polchief called MFA Political Director, Ambassador Thalia Petrides, on May 19 to press for an affirmative response. Petrides underscored GOC support for the Darfur Peace Agreement and promised to consider the U.S. position. She made clear, however, that Cyprus would not go against whatever EU consensus might ultimately emerge on this issue. SCHLICHER