This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 005195 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/14/2014 
TAGS: CY PREL TU
SUBJECT: GROWING TURKISH GOVERNMENT FRUSTRATION OVER LACK 
OF MEASURES FOR TURKISH CYPRIOTS 
 
REF: A. ANKARA 5180 
 
     ¶B. ANKARA 5115 
     ¶C. ANKARA 5029 
     ¶D. ANKARA 4921 
     ¶E. ANKARA 4886 
 
(U) Classified by Ambassador Eric Edelman, E.O. 12958, 
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
¶1.  (C) Summary: GOT frustration at the perceived lack of 
measures to ease Turkish Cypriots' isolation is growing.  GOT 
interlocutors at all levels have expressed this frustration 
to us in recent meetings; Secretary Powell will hear much the 
same if he meets with FM Gul at UNGA.  For now, the EU is the 
primary target of GOT irritation; however, criticism could 
soon focus on the U.S.  To prevent this from becoming an 
irritant, we need to demonstrate concrete progress toward 
ending TC isolation, even if it is not as dramatic or as 
rapid as the Turks would like.  End Summary. 
 
GOT Frustration at All Levels 
----------------------------- 
 
¶2.  (C) GOT interlocutors at all levels have recently 
expressed frustration to us at the perceived lack of measures 
to end TCs' isolation.  The EU has been the primary target, 
but some interlocutors cast their criticism at a larger 
circle: 
 
-- In a September 13 meeting with the Ambassador, MFA Deputy 
U/S Ilkin told the Ambassador PM Erdogan and FM Gul feel the 
TCs has been put "on the back burner" (ref a); 
 
-- In a September 8 meeting with the Ambassador, TGS DCHOD 
Basbug called the lack of measures for the TCs "worrisome" 
(ref b); 
 
--  In a September 1 meeting with the Ambassador, FM Gul 
expressed strong discomfort at the lack of EU measures for 
TCs (ref c); 
 
-- In an August 30 meeting, MFA Cyprus Department Head Bilman 
was pessimistic that the EU would be able to overcome GC 
obstruction of trade and aid measures for the TCs (ref d); 
 
-- On August 26, MFA Maritime and Aviation Affairs DDG 
Gokdenizler expressed impatience at perceived lack of 
movement on direct flights between the U.S. and the north 
(ref e); 
 
-- On August 18, TGS J-5 Cyprus/Greece Section Chief RADM 
Sislioglu told Pol/Mil Counselor Turkey is disappointed over 
the lack of "international" response to the TCs' approval of 
the April referendum. 
 
More Trouble on the Horizon 
--------------------------- 
 
¶3.  (C) Two events on the horizon will sharpen Turkish 
frustration.  Before December, in order to get a date to 
begin EU accession negotiations, the GOT will have extend 
Customs Union recognition to the ROC.  The Turks hope for a 
GC concession, particularly on measures for TCs, to provide 
political cover for recognition.  Absent a concession, those 
within the GOT who push for recognition will come under fire 
from a broad coalition of nationalists for failure to gain 
benefits for the TCs in return. 
 
¶4.  (C) Our GOT contacts are also focused on Greek Cypriot 
property compensation cases in the ECHR.  The GOT hoped the 
issue would be put to rest with one-time compensation in the 
Loizidou case coupled with Annan Plan settlement.  ECHR 
admission of another case will prompt renewed criticism of 
the Loizidou settlement, fears of massive compensation 
claims, and wider debate about what Turkey and TCs have 
gained in exchange for their pro-settlement stance. 
 
U.S. Not Yet the Focus of Criticism -- But We Could Be 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
 
¶5.  (C) Thus far, the EU, not the U.S. is the primary focus 
of Turkish criticism, both privately and in the media.  Most 
of our GOT contacts, like FM Gul, acknowledge U.S. efforts. 
However, we expect pointed criticism of the U.S. in the near 
future if there is a continued perception that the U.S. has 
not meaningfully reached out to TCs.  As GCs continue to 
block and delay EU measures, Turkish hopes will shift to 
measures from the U.S., over which the ROC has no veto. 
While they recognize that the U.S. cannot provide TCs the 
same tangible economic benefits as the EU, the Turks will 
look to us to provide symbolic leadership that they assert 
will encourage others to follow suit. 
 
All Concrete Measures Help 
-------------------------- 
 
¶6.  (C) Direct flights are Turkey's highest priority and the 
GOT will react positively to concrete steps to that end -- 
for example, TSA inspection of Ercan airport.  Concrete 
measures in other areas also help: in his September 13 
meeting with the Ambassador, Deputy U/S Ilkin appeared to 
welcome the prospect of a FAS visit to the north. 
 
¶7.  (C) When we take concrete steps, we should make sure the 
GOT and Turkish media are aware.  Where progress is slow, we 
need to explain the difficulties, manage GOT expectations, 
and make sure the GOT does not misjudge our political will. 
We should make clear to the EU and capitals that reaching out 
to the TCs, including bilaterally, promotes their integration 
into Europe and overall Cyprus settlement.  Even if U.S. 
measures for TCs are not as dramatic or as rapid as the Turks 
want, our ability to demonstrate concrete progress will 
prevent the issue from becoming a bilateral irritant, 
preserve pro-settlement sentiment in Ankara, and create the 
right atmosphere for Ankara to take more steps toward Cyprus 
settlement. 
EDELMAN