Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ANKARA1533
2007-06-15 12:50:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:
TURKISH FM TRAVELING TO DAMASCUS AND BEIRUT
how-toVZCZCXRO6546 PP RUEHAG RUEHROV DE RUEHAK #1533 1661250 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 151250Z JUN 07 FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2613 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN 0910 RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD 0967 RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT 0524 RUEHEG/AMEMBASSY CAIRO 0422 RUEHDM/AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS 1648 RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH 0636 RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV 0143 RUEHJM/AMCONSUL JERUSALEM 0295
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)
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
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