Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ANKARA1269
2008-07-15 11:57:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:  

TURKEY/RUSSIA: LAVROV VISIT HEAVY ON GOOD WILL,

Tags:  PREL PGOV RU TU 
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VZCZCXRO7268
RR RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR
DE RUEHAK #1269/01 1971157
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 151157Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6852
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
RHMFISS/EUCOM POLAD VAIHINGEN GE
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)

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