TURKISH U/S APAKAN ON AGENDA FOR TALKS WITH U/S

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 001915

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT. FOR P AND EUR/SE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/26/2017
TAGS: PREL TU US
SUBJECT: TURKISH U/S APAKAN ON AGENDA FOR TALKS WITH U/S
BURNS, OTHERS

REF: A. ANKARA 1892


B. ANKARA 1859

Classified By: Ambassador Ross Wilson for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) SUMMARY: MFA U/S Apakan told Ambassador July 24 that
he plans to pursue a broad agenda during his late August
bilateral consultations with U/S Burns and others in
Washington. Apakan expressed interest in the U.S. internal
debate over Iraq and medium-long term U.S. plans and
expectations there. He will also describe Ankara's thinking
on Iraq generally, on relations with the Kurdistan Regional
Government, and on the PKK. Other items on Apakan,s agenda
include Iran; the Middle East peace process, prospects for
Israeli/Syrian dialogue, and Lebanon; Afghanistan; Kosovo;
Turkey-EU relations, including ESDP; and relations with
Armenia and the Armenian genocide resolution. Ambassador
said this will be a good opportunity to review our
collaboration on the Shared Vision paper and the Action Plan
that came out of our economic talks in February. Noting that
late-August can be problematic for appointments in
Washington, Ambassador recommended Apakan also consider
meetings with EB A/S Sullivan, at the NSC, and at the
Pentagon. END SUMMARY


2. (C) Apakan said that he looks forward to a broad review of
U.S.-Turkish relations and key regional issues during his
Washington visit. Iraq is at the top of his list. He asked
the Ambassador describe U.S. medium-term thinking on Iraq and
to clarify what a troop withdrawal from Iraq would mean in
real terms. Ambassador said that the President believes
strongly that U.S. forces should remain in Iraq as long as
they are needed, but said he hoped Apakan would come back
with a good sense of U.S. medium term thinking and planning.
It will also be important for Washington to get an update on
Turkey,s thinking. Ambassador noted upcoming opportunities
for us on Iraq, including a possible visit by PM Maliki and a
possible Expanded Neighbors of Iraq ministerial. Apakan
agreed and said Turkey looks forward to working closely with
us too so the ministerial is well-designed and well-planned.


3. (C) Apakan underlined Turkish interest in discussing the
Middle East peace process and how Turkey can be supportive.
He hopes to learn more about the latest U.S. ideas for an
international conference, what we see as the prospects for
Israeli/Syrian talks, and our thinking on Lebanon. Other
topics he will want to review include Iran, Kosovo,
Afghanistan, Turkey-EU relations -- especially including the
controversies over ESDP and NATO support for EU military
missions. He would also like to discuss prospects in Cyprus.
He had just returned from a visit there to mark the
anniversary of Turkey,s invasion. He reiterated
disappointment over the Greek Cypriots' efforts to effect
cancellation of a British-Turkish Cyprus football match,
which put Talat in an awkward position regarding a meeting
with G/C President Papadopoulos. Ambassador urged that this
meeting go forward when the time is right.


4. (C) On the Armenian genocide resolution (AGR),Apakan said
he plans to convey Turkish unease over the resolution,s
prospects for passage in the House. He wants to make sure
Ankara's position is understood in Washington. Ambassador
said that will be useful, but also argued for Turkey to
consider now new initiatives that could be taken up when
Turkey,s parliamentary and presidential elections are
finished. Normalizing relations would be a dramatic and
useful step.


5. (C) COMMENT: Apakan's August visit will be a good
opportunity to engage with the new Turkish government and
prepare for higher level meetings, perhaps at UNGA and/or
later in the year. End comment.

Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/

WILSON