Cablegate: Demarche Delivered On July 17 Foreign Ministers

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OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNC #1164 1990916
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 180916Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY NICOSIA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6467

UNCLAS NICOSIA 001164

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UN EUN YI MW SR BO IR IZ KPAL SU CG
CY
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON JULY 17 FOREIGN MINISTERS
MEETING (GAERC)

REF: STATE 114605

1. (U) On July 14, poloff delivered reftel message to Elena
Rafti, who covers the Balkans in the MFA's Division of
Bilateral Affairs. Rafti said that Cyprus largely agrees
with U.S. policy in the Balkans, but differs slightly in its
position on Kosovo. The GOC feels the current timeline in
Kosovo is too restrictive, but agrees that the protection of
minorities is paramount.

2. (U) Poloff also delivered reftel message to Giorgos
Christofidou, who covers Africa and Asia in the MFA's
Division of Bilateral Affairs; he promised to convey the
points to his director. Finally, Charalambous Hadjisavvas,
who covers the Middle East, commented on Israel's recent
incursions into Lebanon. He said that Israel was
overreacting to the kidnapping of its soldiers and that its
government was apparently trying to shore up support among
the population. He also commented that Hamas's transition to
a political entity would take time and that the members of
the Quartet should make active efforts to calm the situation.
SCHLICHER

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