Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03ANKARA5576
2003-09-05 06:38:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:  

IAEA/IRAN: TURKEY RIDING THE COATTAILS OF THE E.U.

Tags:  KNNP PARM PREL MNUC IR TU IAEA 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 005576 

SIPDIS


FOR NP AND EUR/SE


E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/04/2013
TAGS: KNNP PARM PREL MNUC IR TU IAEA
SUBJECT: IAEA/IRAN: TURKEY RIDING THE COATTAILS OF THE E.U.

REF: STATE 249878


(U) Classified by DCM Robert Deutsch, reasons 1.5, b/d.


C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 005576

SIPDIS


FOR NP AND EUR/SE


E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/04/2013
TAGS: KNNP PARM PREL MNUC IR TU IAEA
SUBJECT: IAEA/IRAN: TURKEY RIDING THE COATTAILS OF THE E.U.

REF: STATE 249878


(U) Classified by DCM Robert Deutsch, reasons 1.5, b/d.



1. (C) Because higher level GOT disarmament officials were in
Vienna for the CTBT discussions, PolMilOff delivered reftel
talking points to the new MFA Head of the Disarmament
Department Bulent Meric September 4. Meric said his
department was still examining the IAEA August 26 report in
detail, and therefore the GOT had not developed an official
position for the BOG meeting. However, emphasizing that his
thoughts were just preliminary, he noted the IAEA report
seemed to set forth an ongoing process and did not appear to
be the final word on this topic. Furthermore, the report did
not appear to contain any "technical basis" for a finding of
non-compliance. Finally, and probably most telling, Meric
said that, as a prospective EU member, Turkey would likely
link its position to that of the EU countries, most of whom
did not appear inclined to refer a finding a noncompliance to
the UNSC at this time.



2. (C) PolMilOff emphasized that Iran was already
noncompliant even prior to the most recent report and that
any recent gestures of cooperation with the IAEA inspectors
emerged only when Iran had been caught lying to or misleading
the IAEA. While Turkey's desire to cooperate with the EU was
certainly understandable, as a neighboring state of Iran,
Turkey had cause to be particularly concerned by Iran's
illegitimate activities. Meric assured PolMilOff that Turkey
had been underlining to the Iranians at numerous levels the
importance of compliance with the NPT and of signing the
Additional Protocol. Meric agreed that Iranian nuclear
programs were indisputably disturbing, but the larger
question was one of strategy. The GOT was concerned that too
aggressive an approach would corner the Iranians and trigger
a negative reaction from Tehran akin to the intransigence of
North Korea.



3. (C) Comment: Turkish comments leading up to the September
BOG are becoming consistent. While Turkey is concerned about
Iran's program, it is also worried that too strong a
statement will cause Iran to cease what little cooperation it
is currently offering and looking for cover in falling in
with the EU on this issue. Embassy will pursue this at
higher levels before the 8th.
EDELMAN