AMBASSADOR RAISES SECURITY, TIP, CHILD ABDUCTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 003409 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/23/2008 TAGS: PGOV PREL CASC PHUM TU SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR RAISES SECURITY, TIP, CHILD ABDUCTION WITH INTERIOR MINISTER REF: A. ANKARA 3314 ¶B. ANKARA 3408 (U) Classified by Ambassador W.R. Pearson; reasons 1.5 b and d. ¶1. (C) Summary: In a May 22 meeting with Interior Minister Aksu, Ambassador discussed possible terrorist threats against the American community and the GOT's efforts to combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP). Ambassador also sought the Minister's assistance in a U.S. child abduction case. Aksu promised cooperation on those issues, and requested information on Turkish citizens he said are being held at Guantanamo Bay. End Summary. -------------- Possible Threats to Embassy, Tourists -------------- ¶2. (C) Ambassador thanked Aksu for providing enhanced security coverage for the Embassy community during the Iraq war. He said cooperation between the Turkish security services and Embassy security officers is excellent. Ambassador said new information indicates a possible terrorist threat against diplomatic missions of the U.S. and certain other countries worldwide. There are also possible threats to the broader American community overseas. In light of this, he would appreciate any additional security measures Aksu could take. In addition, Ambassador noted that a number of cruise lines have resumed stops at ports in Istanbul and Kusadasi. This is a healthy sign for Turkey's economy. However, Ambassador said he is concerned that these ships, carrying many American passengers, could be targeted by terrorists. He would appreciate any extra security measures the GOT could take. Aksu said he will contact the Ankara governor and security director and ask them to enhance security for the Embassy and American community, and will also direct the Coast Guard to enhance security for cruise ships. -------------- Trafficking Report -------------- ¶3. (C) Ambassador noted Department is preparing the 2003 TIP Report for Turkey. Embassy will continue to pass along information from the GOT on TIP to the Department for consideration. Aksu averred that Turkey should not be ranked in Tier III in the TIP Report. He said the GOT takes the issue very seriously; Tier III is designated for countries that are not making serious efforts to combat human ;trafficking. Aksu said throughout his career, whenever he has participated in international conferences, he has called for international cooperation in three areas: drug trafficking, terrorism, and TIP. He argued that the GOT is focusing intensely on all three areas, and Turkey should be removed from the TIP Report altogether. It appears that the USG wants to rank Turkey in Tier III to create a balance among Turkey and other regional countries, but Turkey is far more advanced on this issue than its neighbors, he claimed. Ambassador said Embassy will keep the Department informed of the GOT's views. He said one area of improvement for the GOT might be the process of repatriating TIP victims. Embassy understands victims are sometimes sent to a neighboring country that is not their country of origin. The GOT might be able to improve its performance in this area by working more closely with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Aksu claimed the GOT returns all victims to their country of origin, and works in close cooperation with IOM on repatriation (Note: We will continue to press this point. Regina Boucault, head of the IOM Ankara mission, told us May 7 that the GOT is not/not cooperating with IOM on repatriations and is sending some victims to countries that are not their countries of origin. End Note). -------------- Child Abduction -------------- ¶4. (C) Ambassador stressed the importance of implementing the Hague Convention on Child Abduction. He noted that the Convention requires that abducted children be returned to the country from where they were abducted. It is important that countries enforce this provision so that parents are discouraged from kidnapping their children and taking them to a country where they expect to receive favorable treatment in court. This is an international problem that requires international cooperation. Ambassador thanked Aksu for his help with the Sensoy child abduction case (Note: Ambassador raised this case with the Justice Minister May 21 -- reftel ¶A. End Note). Ambassador discussed this case with Aksu December 17, and shortly thereafter the GOT located the father. Later, the Ambassador noted, the judge ruled that the child be returned to her mother for the remainder of the court process. However, police have been unable to locate the child. Aksu said he had recently directed police and Jandarma officials to locate the child. He said he supports full implementation of all international agreements, and hoped to have information soon on the child's whereabouts. -------------- Guantanamo Detainees -------------- ¶5. (C) Aksu requested information on six Turkish citizens he said are being held at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. He said the GOT had been receiving information about the detainees, but recently there has been no information. Ambassador said he would seek information and respond (see reftel B). PEARSON