INCIRLIK AND OIF-2: PROPOSED RESPONSE TO TURKISH

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 008015 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/30/2013 TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS TU IZ SUBJECT: INCIRLIK AND OIF-2: PROPOSED RESPONSE TO TURKISH DIPLOMATIC NOTE REF: ANKARA 7800 (U) Classified by DCM Robert Deutsch. Reasons: 1.5 (B and D). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. See para 4. ¶2. (C) On December 19, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided us a diplomatic note approving the use of Incirlik Air Base for the operation to rotate US personnel and their associated equipment in and out of Iraq (reftel),and outlining the rules and principles to be applied during the operation. MFA officials have told us a response is needed before operations can begin. ¶3. (C) The rules and principles address issues concerning the status of operation-related US personnel/equipment in Turkey, compensation, and overflight clearance procedures. In the past, we and the Turks have had different views about the applicability of existing agreements to specific operations involving the use of Incirlik Air Base. In those cases, we were able to work out with relevant Turkish authorities practical operating procedures to address concerns or problems that occurred. We believe that the rules and principles outlined in reftel will allow us to continue this practice. ¶4. (C) Action requested: Unless otherwise instructed, the Embassy intends to deliver the diplomatic note contained in para 5 below to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, January 2, 2003. ¶5. (U) Text of proposed diplomatic note: The Embassy of the United States of America presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey and has the honor to refer to the latter,s diplomatic note number ALGY/2003-316 dated December 19, 2003, including the enclosure thereto. The Embassy wishes to assure the Ministry that activities approved therein shall be conducted in accordance with our full respect for the sovereign rights of Turkey and our commitments under international law, including as appropriate the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (1951) and NATO SOFA Implementation Agreement between the United States of America and Turkey (1954),the Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement (1980) and supplements, and the Tax Relief Agreement of 1954 as amended and applied. The Embassy of the United States of America avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey the assurances of its highest consideration. End text. ¶6. (U) This message has been cleared by EUCOM J5 Major General Kohler. EDELMAN