US embassy cable - 04ANKARA2422

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 002422 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/29/2014 
TAGS: KMPI, PREL, EAID, XF, PK, TU 
SUBJECT: TURKEY: MFA RESPONDS POSITIVELY TO GME POINTS, 
PAPERS 
 
 
REF: SECSTATE 86312 
 
 
(U) Classified by Deputy PolCouns C.O. Blaha, Reasons 1.4 
(b,d) 
 
 
1. (C) In an April 29 meeting, Emboff delivered reftel 
talking points and draft papers to Turkish MFA Middle East 
Department Section Chief Hasan Sekizkok.  Emboff 1) reviewed 
GME points raised by U/S Larson and A/S Burns during their 
April 13 briefing, 2) solicited tangible GOT input on 
developing ideas and implementing projects, and 3) emphasized 
Turkey's role as a partner in GMEI, not a target.  Sekizkok 
compared the draft papers to previous drafts leaked to local 
media, noting 1) that he views the changes as positive, 2) 
that the changes appear to reflect genuine efforts to address 
themes presented by Arab leaders, particularly declarations 
from the Arab Business Council, the Alexandria Library 
conference, and the Sanaa conference, and 3) that changes 
include encouraging, softened language that target countries 
will be less likely to dismiss summarily. 
 
 
2. (C) Sekizkok had reviewed reftel points, which had already 
been given to him by the Turkish Embassy in Washington.  He 
noted continued support from the GOT, but claimed GMEI will 
not go far until it includes concrete language clearly 
defining a U.S. commitment to a "just and lasting settlement" 
of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.   As is, Sekizkok 
asserted, the GMEI will have no credibility until it attempts 
to address, in concrete terms, Arab-Israeli peace issues.  If 
language on the Israel-Palestine conflict is included, Emboff 
asked Sekizkok how he would prevent other countries from 
delaying GME progress for as long as the conflict continued. 
He had no answer. 
 
 
3. (C) Sekizkok hoped that GMEI will be a "living process," 
adaptable to country-specific and culturally sensitive 
differences, that includes participation from  G-8 and other 
interested countries.  Sekizkok also asserted that G-8 
sponsorship for any regional reform initiatives would be much 
less controversial than independent U.S. sponsorship.  He 
noted GOT appreciation for omitting Turkey in the newest 
papers from the geographical category of ME states. 
 
 
4. (C) Sekizkok asserted the MFA will continue to study GMEI 
and endeavor to provide concrete input and ideas. "This is a 
good paper," he noted.  "If the countries of the Middle East 
can start with this paper, Turkey can too." 
 
 
EDELMAN 
EDELMAN