Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ANKARA1446
2008-08-12 12:38:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:
TURKEY: ISRAELI CONCERNS ON AHMEDINEJAD VISIT
VZCZCXRO8612 RR RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHDIR RUEHFL RUEHKUK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHAK #1446 2251238 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 121238Z AUG 08 FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7124 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUCNIRA/IRAN COLLECTIVE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL RHMFISS/EUCOM POLAD VAIHINGEN GE RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC//J-3/J-5// RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC//USDP:PDUSDP/ISA:EUR/ISA:NESA/DSCA// RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC RUEUITH/ODC ANKARA TU RUEUITH/TLO ANKARA TU RUEHAK/USDAO ANKARA TU
C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 001446
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/11/2018
TAGS: PROG PREL TU IS IR
SUBJECT: TURKEY: ISRAELI CONCERNS ON AHMEDINEJAD VISIT
REF: ANKARA 1405
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 ANKARA 001446
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/11/2018
TAGS: PROG PREL TU IS IR
SUBJECT: TURKEY: ISRAELI CONCERNS ON AHMEDINEJAD VISIT
REF: ANKARA 1405
Classified By: POL Counselor Daniel O'Grady, for reasons 1.4 (b,d)
1. (C) The Israeli Government voiced its concerns to the GOT
regarding Iranian President Ahmedinejad's August 14-15
Istanbul visit in both Ankara and Tel Aviv, August 7
(reftel). Israeli Embassy Spokesman Amit Zarouk told us
Israeli Ambassador Gaby Levy underscored in his meeting with
MFA Deputy Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu that the visit
is poorly timed given Iran's refusal to respond to the P5 1
package. In addition, by hosting Ahmedinejad, the GOT is
giving legitimacy to a leader who has advocated Israel's
annihilation and who had denied the holocaust occurred.
Sinirlioglu reportedly responded that the GOT is mildly
disappointed by the Israeli Government's reaction. Turkey is
a neighbor of Iran and must accordingly have contact, adding
the only way to alter Iranian behavior is through engagement.
2. (C) The Israeli MFA delivered the same message to Turkish
Ambassador Namik Tan, stated Zarouk. Tan said the GOT has
been talking to the Iranian Government for some time,
highlighting that the USG is now reportedly doing the same.
He also emphasized the failure of the international community
to remain united on the issue. As sanctions are not working,
Tan asserted direct talks are the only viable option.
3. (C) Noting that the GOI chose to deliver its concerns
verbally in lieu of a formal note of protest, Zarouk
commented the Israeli Government will not likely raise the
issue again unless Ahmedinejad makes provocative comments
while in Istanbul. Nevertheless, the Turkish media widely
covered news of Tel Aviv's concern as a top international
story, warning that Ahmedinejad's visit has strained Turkey's
relationship with Israel.
Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Turk ey
SILLIMAN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/11/2018
TAGS: PROG PREL TU IS IR
SUBJECT: TURKEY: ISRAELI CONCERNS ON AHMEDINEJAD VISIT
REF: ANKARA 1405
Classified By: POL Counselor Daniel O'Grady, for reasons 1.4 (b,d)
1. (C) The Israeli Government voiced its concerns to the GOT
regarding Iranian President Ahmedinejad's August 14-15
Istanbul visit in both Ankara and Tel Aviv, August 7
(reftel). Israeli Embassy Spokesman Amit Zarouk told us
Israeli Ambassador Gaby Levy underscored in his meeting with
MFA Deputy Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu that the visit
is poorly timed given Iran's refusal to respond to the P5 1
package. In addition, by hosting Ahmedinejad, the GOT is
giving legitimacy to a leader who has advocated Israel's
annihilation and who had denied the holocaust occurred.
Sinirlioglu reportedly responded that the GOT is mildly
disappointed by the Israeli Government's reaction. Turkey is
a neighbor of Iran and must accordingly have contact, adding
the only way to alter Iranian behavior is through engagement.
2. (C) The Israeli MFA delivered the same message to Turkish
Ambassador Namik Tan, stated Zarouk. Tan said the GOT has
been talking to the Iranian Government for some time,
highlighting that the USG is now reportedly doing the same.
He also emphasized the failure of the international community
to remain united on the issue. As sanctions are not working,
Tan asserted direct talks are the only viable option.
3. (C) Noting that the GOI chose to deliver its concerns
verbally in lieu of a formal note of protest, Zarouk
commented the Israeli Government will not likely raise the
issue again unless Ahmedinejad makes provocative comments
while in Istanbul. Nevertheless, the Turkish media widely
covered news of Tel Aviv's concern as a top international
story, warning that Ahmedinejad's visit has strained Turkey's
relationship with Israel.
Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Turk ey
SILLIMAN