TURKEY: NEW PRIME MINISTRY UNDERSECRETARY OPEN ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 002594 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/18/2017 TAGS: PGOV PTER PREL TU US AM IZ SUBJECT: TURKEY: NEW PRIME MINISTRY UNDERSECRETARY OPEN ON KEY BILATERAL ISSUES REF: ANKARA 2589 Classified By: DCM Nancy McEldowney, reasons 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (C) Summary and comment: In DCM's October 10 introductory call on new Prime Ministry Undersecretary Efkan Ala, Ala pointed to a possible cross-border operation (CBO) as one of a number of tools the GOT needs to combat the PKK. The problem is solvable through cooperation on all sides. A pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) condemnation of violence and PKK violence could quickly open doors to further democratization. Ala recognized that the reason a congressional Armenian genocide resolution (AGR) comes up annually is because Turkey has failed to take steps needed with Armenia; in fact, the two countries need each other. Nonetheless, if AGR passes, the GOT will have to react. Ala's broad thinking and ability effectively to deal with the various players in Turkey's Southeast in his previous position as governor of Diyarbakir make him an inspired choice for Prime Ministry U/S. If his balanced approach is a measure of PM Erdogan's thinking, it is a very good sign. End summary and comment. ¶2. (SBU) On October 10, Chief of Staff called on Efkan Ala, newly installed as Prime Minister Undersecretary (essentially, the Chief of Staff of the Prime Ministry and the highest ranking civil service position in Turkey),but not a new face to us. Prior to moving to the Prime Ministry, Ala - an impressive, "broad think" person - served with distinction as governor of Diyarbakir province, and earlier to Batman province; he went on an IVLP in 2005. ¶3. (C) The meeting occurred shortly after the PKK had ambushed and killed 13 Turkish soldiers. Ala, accepting the DCM's condolences, agreed with her statement that the timing of the PKK attacks was no accident. It appeared to be part of a plan to destroy growing Turkish-Iraqi relations and derail GOT and the President Gul's stated commitments to increasing democracy in Turkey's Southeast. The PKK was also distressed by the strong showing of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the Southeast in the July elections -- the sorts of steps that reduce people's support for the terrorist group. The PKK had assumed - wrongly - that the GOT would react reflexively, ordering massive attacks or a cross-border operation. Instead, the reaction was measured and reasoned, and took into account Turkey's relationships with the international community. The GOT still wants to work with the US to help resolve this and other regional issues. Cooperation across the board is essential, no matter the terrorist organization. ¶4. (C) DCM stated that cooperation was key to stopping the violence and making progress on democratization. In the wake of the PKK ambush, the USG had reached out to Baghdad and the Iraqi Kurds. The US condemns PKK terrorism and is working with Turkey to shut it down. Ala responded that Turkey wants a functioning democracy on its southern border. Turkey can help Iraq in its fight against terrorism; it is natural for neighbors to cooperate this way. DCM underscored the recent series of Turkish-Iraqi high level meetings, including the bilateral counter-terrorism agreement reached recently between the two countries' Interior Ministers. Iraq knows it needs Turkey, which has been more constructive toward Iraq than any other country in the region. ¶5. (C) Some in Turkey may also be looking at old issues in a new way, the DCM noted, including the DTP, now represented in parliament. Ala, speaking based on his years of experience in the Southeast, noted there were differing points of view within DTP: some wanted democracy, some were autocrats. The GOT, he said, would work with those who "want the best." DTP is part of Turkey's normalization process, but much will depend on how DTP acts. Turkey could, DCM responded, be on the threshold of historic change. We have told parties here, including DTP, that they will be judged by their deeds, not ANKARA 00002594 002 OF 002 just words. We have told the DTP that they must unequivocally condemn violence, as well as PKK terrorism (reftel). Some want the best, and some are afraid, Ala responded. If DTP can do that, the GOT can quickly proceed with further democratization and the EU accession process. ¶6. (C) The US has told the Iraqis, including the Iraqi Kurds, that they need to eliminate PKK safehavens in northern Iraq, the DCM said. Ala, who indicated he knew of our efforts, responded that greater initiative is required from all three partners - Turkey, the US and Iraq. It is a solvable problem. Iraq needs democracy and must remain a unitary state; the Middle East, too, needs more democracy. The better off Iraq is, the better off Turkey and the entire region will be. Both Turkey and Iraq need a solution to the PKK, the DCM added. ¶7. (C) The Turkish people see and react to events, and want to see a response from the GOT, Ala continued. Ankara must have something to show. The parliamentary motion to authorize a CBO is part of the GOT's response to an angry public. In fact, the GOT is looking at all aspects of the problem. If it can't find a solution by working with others, it will eventually take matters into its own hands. People who attend soldiers' funerals look to the GOT to take that action. ¶8. (C) Turning to the congressional Armenian genocide resolution (AGR),Ala noted that it seems to come back every year. This has a political meaning that is not lost on the government, but which does get lost with the public. It keeps coming back, DCM responded, because there in no progress to point to on Turkey-Armenia relations. Ala agreed: Turkey has much to do; in fact, Turkey and Armenia need each other. Turkey could turn this around, the DCM proposed, with an announcement that it is establishing full diplomatic relations. Such a step would be useful for Turkey, too, per Ala. Turkey needs reform but does not always have the ability to realize it. ¶9. (C) DCM asked that, if despite our best efforts the AGR passes on the floor of the House, the GOT not punish us and themselves by harming the relationship. The resolution will have no effect in law and our relations are too important. Ala replied that passage of the measure would unfortunately damage our ability to work together. Public reaction would demand it and the GOT could do no less. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON