TURKISH FM TRAVELING TO DAMASCUS AND BEIRUT

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 001533 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/14/2017 TAGS: PREL OVIP SY LE TU SUBJECT: TURKISH FM TRAVELING TO DAMASCUS AND BEIRUT Classified By: Ambassador Ross Wilson, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) MFA Deputy Undersecretary for the Middle East and South Asia Feridun Sinirlioglu told Ambassador June 15 that FM Gul will travel to Damascus on June 21 and on to Beirut on June 22. Sinirlioglu said that in Damascus, Gul will seek to moderate Syria's reaction to the establishment of the Hariri Tribunal. Turkey does not believe it useful for Damascus to hear only from the Saudis and Iran on this matter. In Beirut, Gul will try to show support for PM Siniora and consult with players in Lebanon's domestic political drama, including Nabi-Berri. ¶2. (C) Recalling the US briefing provided to MFA and other officials on foreign fighters crossing into Iraq from Syria, Ambassador asked if Gul would be willing to raise this issue in Damascus. Sinirlioglu said that he would propose that Gul do so. ¶3. (C) Ambassador asked whether there would be any contact with the leadership of HAMAS in Damascus, especially in light of recent events in Gaza. Sinirlioglu said there would definitely not be any political level contact (i.e. by Gul) with HAMAS. He did not know about any plans at lower levels, but acknowledged the potential pitfalls and gains if there could be any moderation of HAMAS' tactics. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON