DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TO GOT REGARDING US DFENSE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 001739 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/08/2017 TAGS: PARM PREL CY GR TU SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TO GOT REGARDING US DFENSE ARTICLES IN CYPRUS REF: SECSTATE 88160 Classified By: AMBASSADOR ROSS WILSON FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D) ¶1. (C) Ambassador delivered reftel points regarding US defense articles in Cyprus to MFA Deputy U/S Haydar Berk on July 6. Ambassador emphasized our desire to be transparent, noted previous discussions with the Turkish General Staff on the problem of Greek-supplied US defense articles in Cyprus and EUR DAS Bryza's exchange with Berk on the matter in June, and characterized the arrangements agreed upon with Greece as positive. ¶2. (C) Berk expressed appreciation for the information, which he undertook to pass on to appropriate civilian and military authorities. He asked about the implementation period and when Greece will come into compliance with its obligations under US law. Ambassador said he will check with Washington advise. ¶3. (C) Action: Post requests clarification that we can provide to the Turks on the time line for implementation. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON