TURKEY: MFA ON KOSOVO/ESDP DISPUTE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 001232 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/21/2022 TAGS: PREL MARR NATO EU TU SUBJECT: TURKEY: MFA ON KOSOVO/ESDP DISPUTE REF: A. ANKARA1205 ¶B. ANKARA 1192 ¶C. ANKARA 1052 Classified By: Pol-Mil Counselor Carl Siebentritt for reasons 1.4 (b) a nd (d). ¶1. (C) We followed up on the possibility of compromise language on the Kosovo Transitional Directive mentioned by D/CHOD Saygun (ref a) with MFA NATO Deputy Director General Serdar Kilic on May 21. Aware of our May 18 conversation with Saygun, Kilic provided a copy of NATO document MCM-0118-2005 entitled "Specific Proposals for NATO Logistical Support to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS)." He highlighted reference E: SG(2003)0355, Exchange of Letters between NATO and the EU on the Compilation of the Results of the Work on NATO-EU Relations, 17 Mar 03. He also highlighted para 4, which states: "Although there is a general understanding that this is not a Berlin Plus operation, the co-operation between NATO and the EU is a significant step forward and should continue within the broader spirit prevailing between them and in accordance with established procedures." He suggested that similar wording, accompanied by a specific reference to SG(2003)0355, might be an acceptable formula to get out of the impasse. ¶2. (C) Kilic was emphatic that perhaps a bigger problem for the GOT was the NATO Secretary General's refusal thus far to submit the Technical Arrangements for the NAC's discussion and approval. The GOT believes this is absolutely necessary, both as a matter of established procedure and to give the GOT political cover should its forces in KFOR be called upon to assist an EU entity in the future -- a mission not foreseen in the Turkish contingent's current parliamentary mandate. The SYG's resistance to this has been a source of deepening frustration within the Turkish government and military, Kilic stressed. ¶3. (C) Kilic reported that the Turkish permrep, currently in Ankara, would return to Brussels on May 25 with "fresh instructions." He would not comment on what those instructions would contain, nor did he offer any promises. We reminded Kilic that our focus must be on moving ahead quickly with an agreed document that ensures a successful and effective transition in Kosovo. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON