Cablegate: Turkish Delegation Traveling to Havana Nam Meeting

VZCZCXRO6802
PP RUEHAST
DE RUEHAK #5219 2541239
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 111239Z SEP 06
FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8540
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY

UNCLAS ANKARA 005219

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PTER PRHUM CU TU
SUBJECT: TURKISH DELEGATION TRAVELING TO HAVANA NAM MEETING
TO LOBBY FOR 2009-2010 TURKISH UNSC SEAT

REF: STATE 145242

1. (SBU) We spoke September 8 with Turkish MFA Deputy
Director General (DAS equivalent) for the Americas Murat
Esenli about the upcoming Havana Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Summit. Esenli affirmed that the Turks had received an
invitation from the Cubans. After consulting with his
colleagues in the International Organizations Department, he
confirmed that the GOT would be sending a delegation because
it constituted an unusual opportunity to lobby senior level
government officials from a number of countries on behalf of
Turkey's candidacy for a non-permanent UNSC seat for
2009-2010.

2. (SBU) The Turkish delegation would consist of State
Minister and Deputy PM Abdullatif Sener, Turkey's roving
Ambassador in charge of their UNSC candidacy and their
Director General (A/S equivalent) for International
Organizations.

3. (SBU) We made it clear that we would not be attending and
pointed to the risk that Cuba could exploit Summit
attendance. (Note: On Venezuela, the Turks are well aware
of our position. End note.) Esenli acknowledged this, but
said they would focus on recruiting support. In addition,
the Turks want to ensure that no untoward language creeps
into NAM communiques, particularly on Cyprus.

Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/

WILSON

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