AMBASSADOR'S DEC. 17 MEETING WITH INTERIOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 009074 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2007 TAGS: PGOV PREL CASC PHUM SNAR EINV TU SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S DEC. 17 MEETING WITH INTERIOR MINISTER AKSU Classified by Ambassador W. Robert Pearson; reasons 1.5 b and d. ¶1. (U) Summary: In a December 17 meeting with new GOT Interior Minister Aksu, Ambassador discussed anti-torture efforts; police exchange programs; child abduction cases; trafficking in persons; and the problems faced by Amcits Victor and Kristy Bedoian in their efforts to operate a hotel in Van Province. Aksu promised cooperation on all these issues. End Summary. -------------- Anti-Torture Efforts -------------- ¶2. (C) Ambassador praised recent GOT human rights reform steps, including reforms designed to crack down on torture by police. Aksu's and others' strong statements condemning the use of torture have caught our attention. Such statements and strong anti-torture support by the GOT will help the Turkish police adhere to the highest standards. Aksu stated that he never tolerated torture in past stints as a minister, governor, sub governor, and police chief, and will not do so now. The GOT has passed all the necessary anti-torture measures; now it's a question of thorough implementation. If some local officials are not cracking down on the practice, they will be investigated. On December 20 the Interior Ministry will hold the first in a series of planned meetings with local government officials and party leaders from across the country. The meetings will focus on the implementation of the latest reform legislation. If there are inconsistencies in the implementation of the new laws, including those related to torture, these will be addressed. -------------- Police Exchange Programs -------------- ¶3. (C) Ambassador noted the success of U.S.-Turkey police exchange programs; 20 Turkish National Police (TNP) officers have been sent to the FBI Academy for training since 1999. The U.S. would like to continue and expand such efforts. Aksu said he promoted such exchanges with the U.S. during a previous stint as Interior Minister in 1988-91. He has sent Turkish security officials to the U.S. for a variety of programs, including English language, forensics, hostage rescue, and close protection training. In many cases, these officers have earned degrees from U.S. academies, and some have trained other officers on their return to Turkey. Aksu has traveled to the U.S. to meet with high-level State Department, FBI, and DEA officials. He said he is particularly interested in enhancing cooperation with the U.S. on anti-narcotics training. -------------- Child Abduction -------------- ¶4. (C) Ambassador asked for Aksu's support in handling child abduction cases. Under the Hague Convention, children who are abducted and taken from a country in the midst of a custody dispute should be returned to that country so a court can rule on custody. There are cases of children being abducted both from the U.S. to Turkey and from Turkey to the U.S. Aksu said it is the GOT's responsibility to comply with the Hague Convention, and he will ensure the Interior Ministry does its part. -------------- Trafficking in Persons -------------- ¶5. (C) Ambassador said the Embassy is eager to continue close cooperation with the GOT on trafficking in persons (TIP). The GOT has made recent progress, and the USG wants to help Turkey rise from Category III to Category II in the State Department's annual TIP report. Aksu said he is aware of the issue, and believes Turkey must meet EU and U.S. standards in implementing international conventions against human trafficking. He noted that the GOT in August passed reform legislation specifically designating human trafficking as a crime and establishing stiff prison terms for violators. -------------- Bedoian Case -------------- ¶6. (C) Ambassador told Aksu Amcits Victor and Kristy Bedoian continue to face obstacles from local authorities in their efforts to operate a hotel they own in Van Province. We would appreciate anything Aksu could do to help resolve the problem. PEARSON