C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 002241

SIPDIS


SECDEF FOR OUSD-P/ISP/TSPCP/CTR


E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/06/2013
TAGS: TBIO MARR MASS AMED TU
SUBJECT: TURKEY MOVES CLOSER TO ACCEPTING OFFER TO ACQUIRE
ANTHRAX VACCINES

REF: A. SECSTATE 58805

B. ANKARA 1955


(U) Classified by Economic Counselor Scot A. Marciel.
Reasons: 1.5 (b) and (d).


1.(U) We have received a faxed letter (4/3) from MFA advising
that the Turkish Government plans to use unobligated FY 2002
FMF to finance the acquisition of 10,000 doses (only) of
anthrax vaccine. The letter requests confirmation on the
availability of the vaccine, date and delivery logistics, and
other related information.



2. (C) The MFA letter indicated the amount of $230,310 for
the acquisition, a figure that M. Turker Ari, MFA First
Secretary, says came from the Turkish General Staff. EconOff

SIPDIS
pointed out that our respective military colleagues would
ultimately handle the transaction but that the MFA letter
quoted an outdated price, neglected to reference
transportation and administrative costs, and omitted any
reference to previous requests for training for healthcare
providers. Ari said he would meet with the TGS
representatives on 4/8 to discuss pricing and training issues
and would return to us with a final decision tomorrow.



3. (C) COMMENT. We understand that there are more than
sufficient funds available in Turkey's FMF account to cover
an updated anthrax vaccine estimate, transportation and
administrative costs and training and are relatively
optimistic that the deal will go through. We will continue
to follow up and report.
PEARSON