Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ANKARA1446
2008-08-12 12:38:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:  

TURKEY: ISRAELI CONCERNS ON AHMEDINEJAD VISIT

Tags:  PROG PREL TU IS IR 
pdf how-to read a cable
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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