TF01IZ: TURKS "SERIOUSLY WORKING" ON CLOSURE OF

S E C R E T ANKARA 002062

SIPDIS


NOFORN


STATE FOR S/CT, EUR/SE, AND NEA/NGA


E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/27/2013
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS TU IZ
SUBJECT: TF01IZ: TURKS "SERIOUSLY WORKING" ON CLOSURE OF
IRAQI MISSION


REF: A. STATE 75557

B. ANKARA 1802

C. STATE 72921


(U) Classified by DCM Robert S. Deutsch. Reasons 1.5 (b) and
(d).



1. (S/NF) On March 28, the DCM met with Deputy DG for Middle
Eastern Affairs Safak Gokturk to reiterate our requests
concerning Iraqi intelligence agents/diplomats. Reiterating
information that Post recently had passed to the Turkish
National Intelligence Organization (TNIO),the DCM again
asked that the GOT close the Iraqi mission in Turkey. He
described this as the best way to deny Iraqi support to those
who would engage in terrorist acts against U.S. interests in
Turkey. If a closure were not yet possible, he urged that
the Turks quickly expel specific Iraqis whom he identified as
threats to U.S. personnel.



2. (S/NF) The DCM pointed out that we had knowledge of Iraqi
sleeper cells in 11 countries, including Turkey. He urged
that the GOT take action based on this highly credible threat
information. He highlighted our understanding, reinforced by
recent Iraqi efforts to surveil Embassy residences, that the
Iraqis pose an immediate threat to us. Though he thanked the
GOT for its security support to date, he also noted that some
of Turkey's neighbors had already acted via targeted
expulsions.



3. (S/NF) Though Gokturk was not more forthcoming
immediately, he said that the MFA is "seriously working" in
coordination with TNIO and other GOT agencies.


PEARSON