This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
171330Z Nov 05
UNCLAS ANKARA 006770
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
USDOE FOR CHUCK WASHINGTON
USDOC FOR 4212/ITA/MAC/OEURA/CPD/CRUSNAK
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EPET ENRG EINV TU
SUBJECT: TURKEY COMMITTED TO SE EUROPE ENERGY PROCESS, BUT
WILL NOT SIGN THE DOTTED LINE
1. (SBU) Summary: Turkey insists that it will continue to
participate in the SE Europe energy integration process, but
will not sign the Brussels treaty (recent ceremony in
Brussels), because they will not foreclose on the option to
negotiate longer transition time-frames to achieve energy and
environment acquis in EU accession. End Summary.
2. (SBU) Explaining Turkey,s decision not to sign the
Brussels (formerly Athens Process) SE Europe Energy Treaty,
GOT MinEnergy DDG Mithat Rende told EnergyOff that Turkey was
fully committed to integrating with SE Europe and EU energy
markets. Rende noted that Energy Minister Guler attended the
meeting, but that Turkey had previously made clear its
reservations to the treaty. Asserting that the treaty
language was rushed and flawed, Rende said that Turkey had
offered comments, but the EU Commission was unwilling to
adjust the treaty draft. Rende asserted that its
reservations had been carefully explained to the Commission
and they had expected some acknowledgement of Turkey,s
"special" situation, but the Commission seemingly decided to
pressure Turkey to sign anyway.
3. (SBU) Rende explained that Turkey could not commit to
achieving the EU energy and environment acquis in the
one-year time frame required by the Brussels treaty. Turkey
needed the time that would be allowed under the EU accession
negotiations to reach harmonization, and or negotiate special
exemptions or time periods. In other words, it was a
practical issue of time and cost.
4. (SBU) Comment: Turkey let a highly symbolic moment pass,
and did not join the treaty signing, but the Minister was
there for the photo op. Turkey is committed to energy market
integration and harmonization as part of EU accession, but
will insist on the right to negotiate special exemptions
(just as safeguards will be forced on them in many areas).
It will be a long and painful process for both sides.
MCELDOWNEY