TURKEY/RUSSIA: LAVROV VISIT HEAVY ON GOOD WILL,

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 001269 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/09/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV RU TU SUBJECT: TURKEY/RUSSIA: LAVROV VISIT HEAVY ON GOOD WILL, LIGHT ON SUBSTANCE REF: ANKARA 393 Classified By: POL Counselor Daniel O'Grady, for reasons 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (C) Summary: Russian FM Lavrov visited Ankara July 1 to continue ongoing efforts to increase bilateral dialogue. As during FM Babacan's February trip to Moscow, the conversation focused primarily on economic relations. The two leaders reaffirmed mutual views on Iran, Iraq, the Black Sea, and the Middle East. Babacan and Lavrov reportedly discussed Iran and the CFE in depth during their tte--tte, only briefly touching upon the issues during the open meeting. Lavrov pushed for greater security cooperation among Black Sea littoral states. Overall, the visit rendered no surprises. End Summary. ¶2. (C) MFA Russia Section Chief Meltem Buyukkarakas and Russian Embassy First Secretary Artur Lyukmanov reported Russian FM Lavrov's July 1 visit to Ankara was positive in tone, but the substance represented nothing new. Buyukkarakas commented that the purpose of such routine visits is more for confidence building than policy development. Following a one-hour tte--tte, Lavrov and Babacan affirmed mutual views on Iran, Iraq, the Black Sea, and the Middle East. The two leaders reiterated the importance of expanded high-level visits and continued dialogue at every level. Lavrov also met briefly with President Gul to extend an official invitation on behalf of President Medvedev to visit Moscow later this fall. TURKEY'S TOP TRADING PARTNER -------------- ¶3. (C) As during Babacan's February visit to Moscow, Buyukkarakas said economic cooperation remained the main topic of conversation (REFTEL). Babacan announced that, based on trade figures from the first five months of 2008, Russia is now Turkey's top trading partner. (Note: Lyukmanov stated this reflects increasing energy costs, which disproportionately skews bilateral trade in Russia's favor. End Note.) Babacan reiterated his request that the GOR take steps to reduce the trade deficit by expanding Turkish business opportunities in Russia. Lavrov also welcomed GOT approval for the Rosoboron medium range anti-tank missile project, which would lead to an eventual Turkish purchase of the weapon. ¶4. (C) Buyukkarakas told us Lavrov restated Russia's intention to invest in Turkey's energy sector, specifically nuclear power. Babacan again invited Russia to participate in the Samsun-Ceyhan and Nabucco pipelines. Lavrov said Russia would consider Nabucco if it proved economically beneficial, but the primary focus is on South Stream. Claiming Turkish and Russian energy projects are complementary and not rivals, Lavrov added the GOR only opposes "politically motivated pipelines." BLACK SEA SECURITY KEY FOR RUSSIANS -------------- ¶5. (C) While economic relations remained key for Turkey, Lyukmanov told us Black Sea issues topped the Russian delegation's agenda. Both sides applauded joint security efforts such as Black Sea Harmony and reiterated their commitment to strengthening the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) organization as the primary regional cooperative platform. Buyukkarakas said Babacan and Lavrov agreed that littoral states should provide for Black Sea security. Lavrov reportedly complained that NATO-led Sea Breeze exercise scenarios run contrary to the nature of humanitarian relief operations, creating undue ill will. Babacan announced GOT plans to host a Black Sea defense ministers meeting this fall akin to the South East European one held in Sofia last March. Lavrov reportedly expressed support for Turkey's initiative. ARMENIAN RAPPROCHEMENT -------------- ¶6. (C) Babacan updated Lavrov on Turkey's diplomatic efforts with Armenia. The GOT is ready to start a dialogue, he said. Buyukkarakas told us Babacan complained the GOAM had yet to respond positively to GOT overtures, specifically the joint historical commission. He asked Moscow to encourage Yerevan to be more responsive. Lavrov reportedly expressed support for Turkey's rapprochement efforts, saying he believed the ANKARA 00001269 002 OF 002 GOAM is ready to establish diplomatic relations without preconditions, even as he cautioned not to expect any significant movement until Nagorno-Karabakh is resolved. Lavrov added the GOR is pleased with Turkey's position on the issue. AGREE TO DISAGREE ON CYPRUS -------------- ¶7. (C) On Cyprus, Babacan reiterated Turkey's frustration with Russia's traditionally pro-Cyprus stance, especially in the UN, and encouraged Lavrov to adopt a more balanced policy. Buyukkarakas told us Lavrov emphasized that Russia supports any solution that is acceptable to both sides. It must be reached within the UN, not the EU. Lyukmanov told us the Turkish side challenged the Russian position, maintaining the goal of a comprehensive settlement must be a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. TERRORISM COOPERATION SATISFACTORY -------------- ¶8. (C) Buyukkarakas reported both Lavrov and Babacan expressed satisfaction with bilateral terrorism cooperation. Babacan repeated previous requests that the GOR designate the PKK a terrorist organization. Lavrov sympathized with the Turkish situation, but stressed Russia law precludes designation unless an attack occurs within Russia. Barring that, only the Russian Supreme Court could place the PKK on the terrorist list. He added GOR officials are doing their utmost to deter PKK activity within their borders. RUSSIA PRAISES TURKISH MEPP EFFORTS -------------- ¶9. (C) Babacan and Lavrov discussed Middle East issues in-depth during their one-on-one session, noted Buyukkarakas. In the group setting, the two leaders affirmed similar positions on Iran, Iraq, and the Middle East peace process. Lavrov warned against isolating Iran, advocating instead for dialogue and "peaceful" negotiations. He welcomed Turkey's contributions to the Middle East peace process, praising GOT leadership in the Israel-Syria talks. NO EYE-TO-EYE ON CFE, MAP -------------- ¶10. (C) Babacan asked again for GOR support in Turkey's bid to secure a non-permanent UNSC seat this fall. Although Lavrov declined to comment, Buyukkarakas reported the GOT expects Russia's vote based on other favorable comments made during the meeting. On NATO expansion, Lavrov claimed the Ukrainian people are split over the issue. The GOU is "forcing MAP" on its citizens. Lavrov repeated his previous challenge to the linkage between the Istanbul commitments and NATO,s adapted Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty and solicited Turkish assistance in modifying flank restrictions. Babacan said the GOT supports flank restrictions as an essential CFE component. LAVROV LAMENTS GEORGIA -------------- ¶11. (C) In a July 10 meeting with visiting DAS Bryza, MFA Deputy U/S for Russia, Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, Central, Africa, and East Asia Cevikoz noted that Lavrov complained about Georgia "not behaving." The Turks reportedly chose not to respond to his complaints or discuss Georgia intensively. Turkey believes Russia is trying to goad Georgia into taking a "silly step" that would prompt Russian retaliation and further pull Abkhazia away from Georgia, Cevikoz told Bryza. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Turk ey WILSON