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