C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 003181

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/14/2013
TAGS: MASS MARR TU
SUBJECT: SEEBRIG ASSURANCES: GOT STRESSES ITS SIGNATURE TO
AGREEMENT IS FORTHCOMING

(U) Classified by Political-Military Counselor Stuart
Brown. Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).


(C) On May 12 and 14, Polmiloff spoke with MFA NATO
Department Second Secretary Oya Ergin to inquire about the
status of Turkey's anticipated signature of the SEEBRIG
Assurances. She informed us that everything is on track and
that "normal procedures" are in process. The paper work is
currently in the Prime Minister's office, awaiting his
signature for approval. Polmiloff pressed her to accelerate
the process, indicating that Washington as well as other
participants of the Communication Information System (CIS)
for SEEBRIG are becoming increasingly anxious that deadlines
will not be met if Turkey does not immediately sign the
agreement. Ergin assured us that Turkey views the CIS as
extremely important and has no problems with the agreement.
She then continued to say that "it would be wrong to push the
Prime Ministry or the TGS at this point as they have just
received the paperwork." She said she is hopeful the
process will be completed shortly. Polmiloff said she would
convey this message to the Department, but that many in
Washington were beginning to question Turkey's commitment to
this project.


PEARSON