TURKEY MOVES CLOSER TO ACCEPTING OFFER TO ACQUIRE

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out that our respective military colleagues would ultimately handle the transaction but that the MFA letter quoted an outdated price, neglected to reference transportation and administrative costs, and omitted any reference to previous requests for training for healthcare providers.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