TURKS AGREE TO FACILITATE TRAVEL WHEN POSSIBLE

S E C R E T ANKARA 004032

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/24/2013
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL TU IR AJ EZ
SUBJECT: TURKS AGREE TO FACILITATE TRAVEL WHEN POSSIBLE

REF: A) STATE 179144


(U) Classified by DCM Robert S. Deutsch. Reason: 1.5 (b,d)



1. (S) Embassy confirmed with Turkish officials that they
remain willing to ensure the two journalists will be able to
transit Turkey as they travel to Prague when a new itinerary
is developed. GOT officials asked that their participation
be kept confidential. During preparations for transit on June
24, GOT officials requested that an official from the
Consulate in Istanbul not participate in the transit to
minimize the possibility of drawing attention to the
travelers. Separately, we had arranged with airport
officials for permission to enter secured areas. A ConGen
Istanbul official was going to be on the scene to confirm
successful transit but maintaining a low profile so GOT
officials would not upset.



2. (S) DCM spoke with the Deputy Director General for Middle
Eastern Affairs Burcuoglu who personally conveyed the GOT's
desire to be helpful in this matter. He stressed that
Turkish involvement must not become known publicly. The Iran
desk, responsible for actual coordination of the transit also
repeated that they remain willing and able to assist with the
transit when a new itinerary is developed. They are prepared
to send written instructions to their Embassy in Baku.



3. (S) Embassy is coordinating changes in travel plans with
ConGen Istanbul and will ensure an official is at the airport
during any transit.



4. (U) Point of contact in Ankara remains Consul Laura
Dogu. She can be reached through the Embassy switchboard at
any time. 90-312-455-5555.
PEARSON