TURKEY: POTENTIAL VISIT BY AHMADINEJAD TO TURKEY

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 001368

SIPDIS

EUR/SE, NEA/IR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/30/2018
TAGS: PREL IR TU
SUBJECT: TURKEY: POTENTIAL VISIT BY AHMADINEJAD TO TURKEY

Classified By: Ambassador Ross Wilson, Reasons 1.4 (b, d)


1. (C) We spoke with Turkish MFA U/S Apakan and separately
with the MFA Iran Desk July 30 about extensive media
reporting indicating GOT preparations for a possible visit by
Iranian President Ahmadinejad to Istanbul on August 14. We
made the following points:

-- With the deadline for an Iranian response to the P5 1
offer expected on or before August 2, we have received no
indication that Iran will provide a positive response;

-- Our sense is that there will be a desire to move fast to
push for new measures if Iran continues to stall in providing
a clear response to the P5 1 offer;

-- There will be an unfortunate contrast between
international condemnation/criticism of Iran's nuclear policy
and efforts to introduce new sanctions on the one hand, and
Turkey welcoming Ahmadinejad despite continuing Iranian
defiance of the international community's will on the other;

-- We understand Turkey's need to maintain neighborly
relations with Iran. At the same time, we know that
international pressure is effective when dealing with Iran.
It would not be in Turkey's interest to be seen as not being
in sync with the international community's effort to urge
Iran to change its course;

-- Ahmadinejad's visit would mark the first bilateral visit
to a NATO country. The Government of Iran appears to want
this badly. Has the GOT considered conditioning an
invitation to Ahmadinejad on a positive response to the P5 1
offer?

-- Such an approach would reinforce the international
community's effort to encourage Iran to do the right thing on
the nuclear issue while showing a good faith effort on the
part of Turkey to maintain neighborly relations.


2. (C) Apakan confirmed that a visit is being considered, but
could not provide details on what FM Babacan may have
discussed regarding it in his meetings with his Iranian
counterpart and with Ahmadinejad in Tehran. Apakan stressed
that, if the visit happens, it will be limited in scope, and
Turkey will in no way identify with Iran's position. Turkey
is a solid NATO ally and a strategic partner of the U.S. He
said he would discuss this with FM Babacan and advise later.



Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Turk ey

WILSON