SRSG MOLLER EXPRESSES FRUSTRATION OVER NO PROGRESS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 USUN NEW YORK 001143 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL CY SUBJECT: SRSG MOLLER EXPRESSES FRUSTRATION OVER NO PROGRESS ON JULY 8 AGREEMENT ¶1. (SBU) Summary: In Security Council consultations on the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) on December 7, SRSG Michael Moller expressed strong disappointment with the failure of the two parties to implement the July 8 Agreement of 2006. Moller also addressed the need for agreement on the 1989 Aide Memoire, opening the Ledra Street crossing and lifting of Turkish Cypriot isolation. Moller suggested that 2008 may be a key year for resolution of the Cyprus problem. Russian DPR Konstantin Dolgov delivered a strong intervention arguing that lifting the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots "runs counter to Security Council resolutions" and asserting that the isolation stems from the 1974 decision of Turkey to close ports in the North. Moller stated the UN is considering the value of a UNSC assessment mission to Cyprus in 2008. USUN requests Department views on the utility of such a mission. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) SRSG Moller told the Security Council that the situation on the ground in Cyprus remains stable with a decrease in violations. However, UNFICYP is concerned about actions by civilians in the buffer zone, including unauthorized construction. Moller called for a clear public enunciation of rules for the buffer zone in the form of an agreement by both sides to the 1989 Aide Memoire. Moller noted that de-mining had not recommenced and UNFICYP continues negotiations with the Turkish forces on the island on this subject. He characterized, the work of the Committee On Missing Persons as a noteworthy success. Moller stated that Turkish Cypriot leader Talat had requested completion of a comprehensive settlement in 2008, but President Papadopoulos does not want to set a date until he is satisfied with work in the preparatory phase. Moller reported that there has been no progress since the September 5 meeting of the two leaders and cited a lack of political will as the problem. Opening of the Ledra street crossing is needed and hinges on the Turkish forces reconsidering certain technical details. ¶3. (SBU) Moller lamented that the current atmosphere between the two communities is not good because the Greek Cypriots, in particular, do not appear to want even informal meetings between the two sides. The clear and unequivocal message of the SYG remains unchanged that the responsibility for 
resolution of the Cyprus problem lies with the Cypriots themselves, said Moller. He added that the issue of lifting the Turkish Cypriots isolation is an important one and should not be confused with recognition. An emphasis should be put on further economic development in the North, which should be seen as benefiting all on the island. Moller concluded that 2008 may be a key year for resolution of the Cyprus problem. US,UK and France Support Moller's Conclusions -------------- ¶4. (SBU) UK Permrep John Sawyers expressed disappointment that 17 months after the July 8 Agreement there is no progress in implementation and a gap still exists between words and deeds. He concurred with Moller that 2008 will be a critical year and that all should recognize that time is not on the side of a settlement. Sawyers supported the 1989 Aide Memoire and called for the SYG immediately after the Cypriot election to explore new initiatives for the Cyprus problem. French Political Counselor Nicolas deRiviere echoed the disappointment of others regarding lack of progress on the July 8 Agreement and criticized talk of partition, recalling Security Council statements supporting a single state with two equal communities. ¶5. (SBU) US Minister Counselor expressed regret that the parties had not to date implemented the July 8 Agreement. He stated further that we wanted to see a resumption of the Good Offices Mission, but only after both sides demonstrate flexibility, leadership and real interest in progress. He further stressed our support for the UN as the best forum offering hope for addressing the Cyprus dispute. Russia Lambastes Calls For Lifting Turkish Cypriot Isolation -------------- -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Russian Deputy Permrep Dolgov called for "an extension of UNFICYP's mandate with no change in the composition." He said that it was necessary to implement the July 8 Agreement immediately and both parties must show political will. Dolgov called on all states not to support or give any assistance to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Calls for lifting the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots "run counter to Security Council resolutions USUN NEW Y 00001143 002 OF 002 as all should remember that the isolation stems from the 1974 decision of Turkey to close ports in the North; only the Republic of Cyprus should have the authority to determine points of entry and exit, he said. Dolgov added that Russia does not oppose rectifying the disparity levels between the two communities. Dolgov asked Moller to elaborate on why 2008 will be a crucial year for Cyprus. ¶7. (SBU) Responding to Council members, Moller said UNFICYP is discussing the 1989 Aide Memoire with the Greek Cypriot side since the bulk of the problem lies with them and is hopeful for a solution. On the question regarding the importance of 2008, Moller explained that after the February election there will be clarity on the political landscape and no major events that should influence work on the Cyprus problem while in 2009 there will be a series of external elements that will make a solution tougher, including benchmarks for Turkey's EU accession. Moller noted that UNIFYCP was considering a Security Council assessment mission to Cyprus in 2008 as had been suggested by Italy. ¶8. (U) USUN seeks Department opinion on Moller's suggestion of a Security Council assessment mission to Cyprus in 2008. Khalilzad