VZCZCXRO7954
PP RUEHBZ RUEHIK RUEHPOD RUEHYG
DE RUCNDT #1143/01 3441418
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 101418Z DEC 07
FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3295
INFO RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA PRIORITY 1527
RUEHTH/AMEMBASSY ATHENS PRIORITY 1451
RUEHNC/AMEMBASSY NICOSIA PRIORITY 1082

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 USUN NEW YORK 001143 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL CY
SUBJECT: SRSG MOLLER EXPRESSES FRUSTRATION OVER NO PROGRESS 
ON JULY 8 AGREEMENT 
 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary: In Security Council consultations on the 
United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) on 
December 7, SRSG Michael Moller expressed strong 
disappointment with the failure of the two parties to 
implement the July 8 Agreement of 2006.  Moller also 
addressed the need for agreement on the 1989 Aide Memoire, 
opening the Ledra Street crossing and lifting of Turkish 
Cypriot isolation.  Moller suggested that 2008 may be a key 
year for resolution of the Cyprus problem.  Russian DPR 
Konstantin Dolgov delivered a strong intervention arguing 
that lifting the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots "runs 
counter to Security Council resolutions" and asserting that 
the isolation stems from the 1974 decision of Turkey to close 
ports in the North.  Moller stated the UN is considering the 
value of a UNSC assessment mission to Cyprus in 2008.  USUN 
requests Department views on the utility of such a mission. 
End Summary. 
 
¶2. (SBU) SRSG Moller told the Security Council that the 
situation on the ground in Cyprus remains stable with a 
decrease in violations.  However, UNFICYP is concerned about 
actions by civilians in the buffer zone, including 
unauthorized construction. Moller called for a clear public 
enunciation of rules for the buffer zone in the form of an 
agreement by both sides to the 1989 Aide Memoire.  Moller 
noted that de-mining had not recommenced and UNFICYP 
continues negotiations with the Turkish forces on the island 
on this subject.  He characterized, the work of the Committee 
On Missing Persons as a noteworthy success.  Moller stated 
that Turkish Cypriot leader Talat had requested completion of 
a comprehensive settlement in 2008, but President 
Papadopoulos does not want to set a date until he is 
satisfied with work in the preparatory phase.  Moller 
reported that there has been no progress since the September 
5 meeting of the two leaders and cited a lack of political 
will as the problem.  Opening of the Ledra street crossing is 
needed and hinges on the Turkish forces reconsidering certain 
technical details. 
 
¶3. (SBU) Moller lamented that the current atmosphere between 
the two communities is not good because the Greek Cypriots, 
in particular, do not appear to want even informal meetings 
between the two sides.  The clear and unequivocal message of 
the SYG remains unchanged that the responsibility for 
resolution of the Cyprus problem lies with the Cypriots 
themselves, said Moller.  He added that the issue of lifting 
the Turkish Cypriots isolation is an important one and should 
not be confused with recognition.  An emphasis should be put 
on further economic development in the North, which should be 
seen as benefiting all on the island.  Moller concluded that 
2008 may be a key year for resolution of the Cyprus problem. 
 
US,UK and France Support Moller's Conclusions 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
¶4. (SBU) UK Permrep John Sawyers expressed disappointment 
that 17 months after the July 8 Agreement there is no 
progress in implementation and a gap still exists between 
words and deeds.  He concurred with Moller that 2008 will be 
a critical year and that all should recognize that time is 
not on the side of a settlement.  Sawyers supported the 1989 
Aide Memoire and called for the SYG immediately after the 
Cypriot election to explore new initiatives for the Cyprus 
problem.  French Political Counselor Nicolas deRiviere echoed 
the disappointment of others regarding lack of progress on 
the July 8 Agreement and criticized talk of partition, 
recalling Security Council statements supporting a single 
state with two equal communities. 
 
¶5. (SBU) US Minister Counselor expressed regret that the 
parties had not to date implemented the July 8 Agreement.  He 
stated further that we wanted to see a resumption of the Good 
Offices Mission, but only after both sides demonstrate 
flexibility, leadership and real interest in progress.  He 
further stressed our support for the UN as the best forum 
offering hope for addressing the Cyprus dispute. 
 
Russia Lambastes Calls For Lifting Turkish Cypriot Isolation 
--------------------------------------------- -------------- 
¶6. (SBU) Russian Deputy Permrep Dolgov called for "an 
extension of UNFICYP's mandate with no change in the 
composition."  He said that it was necessary to implement the 
July 8 Agreement immediately and both parties must show 
political will.  Dolgov called on all states not to support 
or give any assistance to the Turkish Republic of Northern 
Cyprus (TRNC).  Calls for lifting the isolation of the 
Turkish Cypriots "run counter to Security Council resolutions 
 
USUN NEW Y 00001143  002 OF 002 
 
 
as all should remember that the isolation stems from the 1974 
decision of Turkey to close ports in the North; only the 
Republic of Cyprus should have the authority to determine 
points of entry and exit, he said.  Dolgov added that Russia 
does not oppose rectifying the disparity levels between the 
two communities.  Dolgov asked Moller to elaborate on why 
2008 will be a crucial year for Cyprus. 
 
¶7. (SBU) Responding to Council members, Moller said UNFICYP 
is discussing the 1989 Aide Memoire with the Greek Cypriot 
side since the bulk of the problem lies with them and is 
hopeful for a solution.  On the question regarding the 
importance of 2008, Moller explained that after the February 
election there will be clarity on the political landscape and 
no major events that should influence work on the Cyprus 
problem while in 2009 there will be a series of external 
elements that will make a solution tougher, including 
benchmarks for Turkey's EU accession.  Moller noted that 
UNIFYCP was considering a Security Council assessment mission 
to Cyprus in 2008 as had been suggested by Italy. 
 
¶8. (U) USUN seeks Department opinion on Moller's suggestion 
of a Security Council assessment mission to Cyprus in 2008. 
Khalilzad