Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03ANKARA4073
2003-06-25 16:00:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:  

TURKISH CABINENT APPROVES USE OF BASES AND PORTS

Tags:  PREL MARR MOPS TU IZ 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 004073 

SIPDIS


STATE FOR EUR/SE, NEA/NGA AND PM; DOD FOR OSD AND ISP; NSC
FOR BRYZA. EUCOM FOR J3, J4 AND J5


E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/25/2013
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS TU IZ
SUBJECT: TURKISH CABINENT APPROVES USE OF BASES AND PORTS
FOR OPERATIONS CONSISTENT WITH UNSCR 1483; EUCOM REQUEST TO
STATION TANKERS AT INCIRLIK ALSO APPROVED

(U) Classified by Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Deutsch.
Reasons: 1.5 (B and D).


C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 004073

SIPDIS


STATE FOR EUR/SE, NEA/NGA AND PM; DOD FOR OSD AND ISP; NSC
FOR BRYZA. EUCOM FOR J3, J4 AND J5


E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/25/2013
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS TU IZ
SUBJECT: TURKISH CABINENT APPROVES USE OF BASES AND PORTS
FOR OPERATIONS CONSISTENT WITH UNSCR 1483; EUCOM REQUEST TO
STATION TANKERS AT INCIRLIK ALSO APPROVED

(U) Classified by Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Deutsch.
Reasons: 1.5 (B and D).



1. (C) MFA DDG for the Americas Suna Ilicak told the DCM June
25 that the Turkish cabinet earlier this week had approved
the use of Turkish bases and ports for humanitarian and
reconstruction operations covered under UNSCR 1483. Ilicak
said the Cabinet's decision came in the form of a decree, is
now in effect, and does not require Parliamentary approval or
an MOU. The decree applied to all allies and friendly
nations. In terms of procedures, Ilicak said if the US
wanted to use a specific base or port, the Embassy should
follow "normal" procedures and submit a diplomatic note to
the MFA, who would then coordinate a response with the
Turkish General Staff (TGS). Pol-Mil officer sought
clarification, noting that the US previously had conveyed
requests for the use of Turkish bases/ports through military
channels (i.e. a letter from the Office of Defense
Cooperation to TGS),with the Embassy back-briefing the MFA.
He reminded Ilicak that EUCOM's recent request to station 10
tankers and one ISR aircraft at Incirlik to support OEF and
OIF missions was conveyed through military channels. Ilicak
said the MFA would confer with the TGS and get back to us on
whether the US should convey future requests via civilian
(i.e. the MFA) or military (i.e. TGS) channels.



2. (C) The DCM asked if the Cabinet's decision covered
EUCOM's request. Ilicak said that in her view the answer was
"yes." However, TGS would have to make the final decision.
Citing another hypothetical example, the DCM asked if the
Cabinet's decree would apply to a request for US aircraft
transporting goods and supplies to OCPA to stop at Incirlik
and then proceed to Iraq. Ilicak said she believed the
decree covered such an example.



3. (C) Later the same day, a TGS/J3 officer telephoned ODC to
inform that, consistent with the Cabinet's decree, TGS had
verbally approved EUCOM's request. The TGS officer said the
formal approval in writing would be forthcoming. ODC intends
to follow up with TGS in person June 26 to obtain more
details.
PEARSON