FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN BAGHDAD: TURKS PLAN TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 002907

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/05/2013
TAGS: PREL PGOV TU IQ
SUBJECT: FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN BAGHDAD: TURKS PLAN TO
RE-ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC MISSION SOON


REF: A. STATE 114629

B. ANKARA 2585

C. AMMAN 2627


(U) Classified by Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Deutsch.
Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).



1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para 3.



2. (C) On May 3, DCM delivered ref A talking points to MFA
DG for Middle East Affairs Tahsin Burcuoglu on the CENTCOM
agreement to allow countries to send small security teams to
guard diplomatic properties in Iraq. DCM conveyed the point
that at this time CENTCOM would not permit other diplomatic
or technical personnel to enter Iraq. Burcuoglu, noting that
several other countries had already sent in diplomatic
personnel and set up missions, said that Turkey plans to
enter Iraq on May 12, via Jordan, to re-establish its
diplomatic mission. He said that Turkey's 4/30 National
Security Council (NSC) had made this recommendation.
Furthermore, Burcuoglu said that while Turkey would prefer to
enter Iraq through the Habur Gate, it is currently planning
to send its staff via Jordan. Burcuoglu indicated that the
GOT would be using Iraqi-registered cars (registered before
the start of the war) to enter the country and that Ankara
would provide the USG with the names and passport numbers of
the personnel as well as license plates and travel plans
before crossing the border.



3. (C) Action request: We note that ref C confirms
Burcuoglu's claim that a number of countries have returned
staff to Baghdad. Since the GOT has already decided to
proceed, we second Amman's request for information on how the
process of border control and authorization (in the absence
of LNO's at CENTCOM) should proceed.
PEARSON