AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES SECURITY WITH INTERIOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 001454

SIPDIS


DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE


E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/06/2008
TAGS: PGOV PREL TU
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES SECURITY WITH INTERIOR
MINISTER


Classified by Ambassador W. Robert Pearson; reasons 1.5 b and
d.



1. (C) Summary: Interior Minister Aksu told Ambassador that
Americans in Turkey do not face a greater threat following
Parliament's failure to approve the stationing of U.S.
troops. Aksu said the GOT will continue to provide 24-hour
security to the U.S. diplomatic community, and will maintain
order during anti-war protests. Ambassador requested random
vehicle checks on a street abutting Embassy grounds; Aksu
said he will direct police to review the issue. Ambassador
said the U.S. will continue to work closely with the GOT.
End Summary.



2. (U) Ambassador thanked Interior Minister Aksu during a
March 6 meeting for the excellent security provided by police
to the entire American diplomatic community. Ambassador said
he had met March 4 with Embassy spouses, who wanted to know
whether Parliament's March 1 vote failing to approve the
stationing of U.S. troops in Turkey has heightened security
risks for Americans. Ambassador said he would like to hear
Aksu's views. Aksu said he does not believe the
parliamentary vote will lead to an increased threat against
Americans. The longstanding friendship between Turkey and
the U.S. will continue. In Turkey, as in many countries,
there are staunchly anti-American groups, but they are
marginal and insignificant. Some violent groups,
particularly KADEK (formerly PKK) are trying to manipulate
anti-war protests for their own ends. The GOT will allow
people to express their views, but will maintain control, as
it did March 1 when police prevented demonstrators from
marching to the Parliament building. The GOT will continue
to provide 24-hour security to the Embassy community.



3. (U) Aksu said the media and elements of the GOT are
distorting the Iraq issue, depicting the resolution on U.S.
troop deployment as a pro-U.S., pro-war measure. In fact,
the resolution supports Turkey's interests. Aksu said he
will continue to make this argument to Cabinet members and
parliamentarians. Ambassador said he appreciated the
Government's courage in taking the controversial resolution
to a vote. The U.S. remains a friend and ally of Turkey, and
will continue to work closely with the GOT.



4. (C) Ambassador said there is one gap in the otherwise
excellent security around the Embassy grounds -- the lack of
vehicle inspection on Paris Caddesi, which runs very close to
some Embassy facilities. The GOT has installed a barrier on
Paris, but it is kept in the upright position and random
inspections are not being conducted. The image of the unused
barrier could cause someone to think there is an opening that
could be exploited for an attack. Random vehicle inspection
would have a critical deterrent effect. Aksu said he will
direct the Ankara Police Chief to review the situation and
contact Embassy RSO. The GOT will take the necessary
measures to protect the Embassy. Ambassador thanked Aksu and
said he might have to seek increased GOT security assistance
in the event of war in Iraq.


PEARSON