NORTHERN IRAQ: TURKS GIVE CONDITIONAL "GREEN

S E C R E T ANKARA 008639

SIPDIS


FOR NEA/NGA AND EUR/SE


E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/26/2012
TAGS: OREP ASEC AFIN TU IZ
SUBJECT: NORTHERN IRAQ: TURKS GIVE CONDITIONAL "GREEN
LIGHT" TO CODEL BIDEN'S REQUEST

REF: A) ANKARA 8638 B) STATE 241093 C) ANKARA 7563


(U) Classified by Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Deutsch.
Reasons: 1.5 (B and D).



1. (U) This is an action request. See para 4.



2. (S) MFA DG for Middle Eastern Affairs Burcuoglu notified
DCM November 26 that the GOT had approved Codel Biden's
request to travel to northern Iraq via Turkey December 4-5
(refs a-b). However, given the Ramadan holiday (December 4
at 1300 through December 7),Burcuoglu said that appropriate
GOT officials would not be available to meet with the Codel
December 6 upon its return from northern Iraq. Burcuoglu
stressed the importance the GOT attaches to meeting with
visiting USG officials and Codels, and expressed hope the
Codel could adjust its schedule to arrive in Ankara in time
to meet with GOT officials December 4 in the morning (before
the start of the holiday.) Despite the busy schedule that
day (UK FM Straw, Greek FM Papendreau, other USD
distinguished visitors),Burcuoglu said they would arrange
appropriate meetings.



3. (S) Burcuoglu reminded the DCM of the preconditions
attached to the GOT's approval for Staffdel Talwar to travel
to northern Iraq via Turkey in October -- one-time deal and
no publicity (ref b) -- and said these conditions still
applied. Recognizing that it would be difficult to avoid
publicity given the Codel's visibility, Burcuoglu expressed
hope that the visit could be handled in such as a way as to
avoid negative reactions in the Turkish press and additional
requests to travel to northern Iraq via Turkey by other US
and European VIPs or interested individuals.



4. (S) Action request: Embassy requests that the Department
advise Codel Biden of the "conditions" that the MFA attached
to its approval for the visit (i.e. one-time deal and no
publicity). Embassy also asks that the Department inform the
Codel that GOT officials would only be available December 4
in the morning. We believe it is important for the Senators
to hold these meetings. If the Codel concurs, the Embassy
will officially request appointments with appropriate GOT
officials.
PEARSON