US embassy cable - 04ANKARA6815

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 006815 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR WHA/CCA AND EUR/SE 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/02/2014 
TAGS: CU, ETTC, PHUM, PREL, TU 
SUBJECT: CUBA:  NON-EXISTENT TURKISH INVESTMENT; GOT 
SUPPORTS DEMOCRATIZATION 
 
REF: STATE 257651 
 
Classified By: Classified by Thomas Goldberger, Economic Counselor, for 
 reasons 1.4 (B) and (D). 
 
1. (C) Reftel requested information on GOT policies in 
support of democracy and human rights in Cuba, as well as on 
an Turkish investments in Cuba.  The Turkish MFA maintains 
that it has raised democracy, human rights and fundamental 
freedoms with Cuba, though there have been no specific 
initiatives or actions on this in the last six months. 
 
2. (U) Based on information provided by the Foreign Trade 
Undersecretariat (FTU), Turkish nationals do not now maintain 
any investments in Cuba.  Turkish state-owned tobacco company 
TEKEL had formed a joint venture with Cuban state-owned CATEC 
called TEKA Cigar Production and Trade Company in 2001, with 
capital of 1.7 trillion Turkish lira (approximately USD 2.5 
million at the then rate of exchange).  The venture produced 
5 million FONSECA cigars, but none were exported.  Due to 
operating losses, the company was dissolved in October 2003. 
 
3. (U) Two-way trade, almost entirely Turkish exports to 
Cuba, amounted to USD 1.4 million in the first 10 months of 
2004.  The two countries have agreements for a Joint Economic 
Commission; Trade, Economic and Industrial Cooperation; and 
Bilateral Investment Protection.  Turkey's Export-Import Bank 
established a 25 million Euro export insurance facility, but 
it appears not to have been used. 
EDELMAN