US embassy cable - 04ANKARA2543

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Identifier:	04ANKARA2543
Wikileaks:	View 04ANKARA2543 at Wikileaks.org
Origin:	Embassy Ankara
Created:	2004-05-05 16:12:00
Classification:	CONFIDENTIAL
Tags:	GG PREL TU
Redacted:	This cable was not redacted by Wikileaks.

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 002543 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/05/2014 
TAGS: GG, PREL, TU 
SUBJECT: TURKISH MFA ON GEORGIA/AJARA 
 
 
REF: 5 MAY 2004 BLAHA E-MAIL 
 
 
(U) Classified by DCM Robert Deutsch, E.O. 12958, reasons 1.4 
(b) and (d). 
 
 
1.  (C) On May 4, the GOT issued a public announcement about 
Georgia saying that Turkey is following with concern 
developments in Georgia and Ajara; noting that Turkey 
considers Georgian stability important; calling for the sides 
to act with moderation; welcoming the Georgian  MFA's May 2 
announcement; and promising to continue good relations with 
all of Georgia (ref).  Turkish MFA Caucasus Department Head 
Adali told us the GOT issued the announcement at the Georgian 
Government's request. 
 
 
2.  (C) Adali claims the GOT is trying to send the message to 
Abashidze that "his time is over" and he should leave.  If he 
leaves, the Turks worry that he may come to Turkey (probably 
the city of Trabzon), at least in transit.  Adali said the 
GOT would prefer Abashidze go directly to Moscow instead. 
 
 
3.  (C)  The Turkish CG in Batumi believes that a Russian 
general with explosives and engineering training gave 
Abashidze technical advice on how to blow up the bridges on 
May 2.  Adali gave no details about the source of the CG's 
information; it sounded to us like speculation. 
EDELMAN