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