CYPRUS UNRESPONSIVE TO DEMARCHE ON OSCE ELECTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L NICOSIA 000913 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE, EUR/RUS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/15/2017 TAGS: KDEM PHUM PREL RS CY SUBJECT: CYPRUS UNRESPONSIVE TO DEMARCHE ON OSCE ELECTION OBSERVERS IN RUSSIA REF: SECSTATE 153309 Classified By: Ambassador Ronald Schlicher, Reasons 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (SBU) The Embassy delivered reftel demarche to MFA First Secretary Alkis Ieromonachou on November 9, highlighting the SIPDIS necessity that Russia allow the OSCE's observer team full and unhindered access in the run-up to December 2 Duma elections. Ieromonachou took note of our position and pledged to inform his superiors immediately. Despite repeated attempts, the Embassy has been unable to obtain a substantive Cypriot response, with Ieromonachou stating only that he had briefed appropriate Ministry personnel and was awaiting a response. ¶2. (C) Comment: Relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Russia historically have been close. Press reports note that the GoR's Cyprus Coordinator will visit the island November 17, with Russian FM Sergei Lavrov expected in December. With such high-level Moscow attention imminent, we would be surprised if the GoC responded favorably to the OSCE-related demarche. End Comment. SCHLICHER