GOT MORE CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO SECURE

UNCLAS ANKARA 006954 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM ZP TU SUBJECT: GOT MORE CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO SECURE RADIOACTIVE SOURCES FROM IRAQ REF: STATE 293401 ¶1. (SBU) In response to reftel demarche regarding the disposition of radioactive sources from Iraq, on October 6 MFA Energy Department First Secretary Basak Tug gave PolMilOff a verbal, unofficial translation of a report of the events of September 28 as provided by the Turkish Atomic Energy Council (TAEK). According to TAEK, portal monitor equipment alerted Turkish Customs officials at Habur gate to radiation in a "long vehicle" trying to enter Turkey from Iraq on September 28. The vehicle was pulled over and remained parked until TAEK officials arrived the same day to investigate. The TAEK officials used "ion detectors" made by Bikron to measure and determine that there was a radioactive source among the scrap metal load. They then used "field spectrometers," also made by Bikron, and determined without opening the vehicle that Co-60, Ir-192, and Cs-137 were present. They believed these materials to be used for industrial purposes. The Habur officials then decided that, without "any real authority" on the other side of the border with which to work, that they should just send the truck back into Iraq. Tug noted that the Habur officials did not notify or consult anyone in Ankara at the U/S of Customs, U/S of Foreign Trade, or MFA before releasing vehicle. She indicated that border officials had been advised not to repeat this oversight. ¶2. (SBU) PolMilOff noted that, while we appreciated the explanation of events, in fact CPA IS the real authority on the other side of the border and Embassy Ankara could be a conduit to it. Tug agreed and reiterated that she hoped border officials would contact the MFA if such an event were to happen again, in which case MFA would certainly contact the Embassy. EDELMAN