US embassy cable - 04ANKARA4265

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 004265 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/29/2029 
TAGS: MOPS, PREL, CY, TU 
SUBJECT: CYPRUS: MILITARY EXERCISES MAY BE AN ISSUE THIS 
FALL 
 
Classified By: Political Military Counselor Timothy A. Betts.  Reasons 
1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
1. (C) TGS/J5 Greece/Cyprus director RADM Mucahit Sislioglu 
warned polmilcouns July 28 not to assume Turkey would cancel 
this fall's exercises on Cyprus.  "The situation is different 
this year," he said.  Whereas last year Turkey was optimistic 
about achieving a settlement on the island and wanted to do 
nothing to disturb that process, this year the Greek Cypriots 
had rejected the settlement and now were working to impede EU 
measures to help the Turkish Cypriots.  This could lead to a 
"different outcome" on exercises this year.  Polmilcouns 
noted that the exercises were scheduled on the eve of the 
decision on Turkey's EU accession, a factor arguing in favor 
of cancellation of the exercises.  He also reminded Sislioglu 
that the US remained committed to the Annan plan, easing the 
isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and the reduction of 
military tensions on the island, including the recent 
practice of canceling the large-scale exercises both sides 
plan for the island each year. 
 
2. (C) Comment:  Turkey, including the Turkish military, is 
not happy about the GOC's recent attempts to block EU 
measures to help the Turkish Cypriots.  Developments over the 
next few months will determine whether the Turks' pique will 
result in counterproductive steps, like resuming their annual 
fall exercise on the island.  Presumably, if the Turks 
conduct their exercise, the Greeks will feel compelled to 
conduct theirs.  This year, as in the past, we will need to 
press for restraint.  End Comment. 
DEUTSCH