MFA DENIES VISA TO THE IRAQI AMBASSADOR IN THE PRC

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 004540 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2013 TAGS: IZ PREL TU SUBJECT: MFA DENIES VISA TO THE IRAQI AMBASSADOR IN THE PRC REF: SECSTATE 102827 (U) Classified by Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Deutsch. Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) Action request at para 4. ¶2. (C) In a meeting between the DCM and Tahsin Burcuoglu (Director-General for Middle East, OIC, and North Africa Affairs at the MFA) on July 18, Burcuoglu noted that the MFA had recently instructed the Turkish embassy in Beijing to deny a visa to the Iraqi Ambassador to the PRC (Muwaffaq Muhammad Jasem Al-Ani Al-Tikriti). This was on the basis of a request from the USG (reftel) to deny safehaven, asylum, or assistance in leaving or entering Turkey to a specific group of individuals within the leadership of the former Iraqi regime (other issues discussed in the meeting reported septel). ¶3. (C) Burcuoglu noted that, even though Al-Tikriti's stated intentions were to return to Baghdad through Turkey with his family, the MFA would continue to deny him a visa. However, Burcuoglu also asked if the USG had made any "updates" to the aforementioned list of individuals. Specifically, if Al-Tikriti is now off the list for any reason, the GOT would like to know. The DCM thanked Burcuoglu for the GOT's assistance in this matter, and promised to ask for guidance on USG interest in Al-Tikriti's whereabouts and plans. ¶4. (C) ACTION REQUEST: Please advise if there is any update regarding USG interest in Al-Tikriti. PEARSON