Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03ISTANBUL1821
2003-12-11 10:42:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Consulate Istanbul
Cable title:  

U/S GROSSMAN'S 12/9/03 MEETING WITH ISTANBUL

Tags:  ASEC OVIP PGOV PREL TU 
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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 SECTION 01 OF 02 ISTANBUL 001821 

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/09/2013
TAGS: ASEC OVIP PGOV PREL TU
SUBJECT: U/S GROSSMAN'S 12/9/03 MEETING WITH ISTANBUL
GOVERNOR GULER


Classified By: Consul General David L. Arnett for reasons 1.4 (b) and (


d).


C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ISTANBUL 001821

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/09/2013
TAGS: ASEC OVIP PGOV PREL TU
SUBJECT: U/S GROSSMAN'S 12/9/03 MEETING WITH ISTANBUL
GOVERNOR GULER


Classified By: Consul General David L. Arnett for reasons 1.4 (b) and (


d).



1. (C) Summary: U/S Grossman met with the Governor of
Istanbul to express U.S. solidarity with the people of
Istanbul and Turkey, and our ongoing cooperation in the war
on terror. Guler outlined a series of "lessons learned" from
the attacks, and expressed optimism that Turkey would be
better prepared in the future to interdict larger-scale
attacks. Guler expressed thanks for USG support against
terrorism in the past, and some frustration at European
attitudes regarding threats to Turkey. U/S Grossman thanked
Guler for excellent cooperation in the war on terror,
including assistance in safeguarding USG personnel here in
Istanbul. End Summary.



2. (U) U/S Grossman met December 9 with Istanbul Governor
Muamer Guler. Guler, a career civil servant in the Ministry
of the Interior, oversees the security apparatus for the
Istanbul province, and directly oversees GoT measures in
response to the four bombings which took place in Istanbul in
November.


"Not quite ready" for attacks
--------------



3. (C) Guler was candid in his observation that Istanbul was
not fully prepared for coordinated attacks like those which
took place in November. Guler said that, in the past,
Istanbul had seen its share of smaller-scale terrorist
attacks, such as those carried out by PKK/KADEK, DHKP-C, and
others. He said that Turkey has now realized the need to
prepare for larger, coordinated attacks.



4. (C) Guler thanked the U.S. for its consistent support of
Turkey in the context of the war on terror. Guler said
Turkey looks for such support from our European allies as
well, and hopes that all governments see such attacks as
attacks against civilization and humanity, not just Istanbul
and Turkey. U/S Grossman said that the USG, from President
Bush and Secretary Powell to Amb. Edelman and CG Arnett, have
conveyed our sense of solidarity with the people of Turkey.
U/S Grossman said he went to the sites of the attacks, Neve
Shalom Synagogue and the British Consulate General, to

personally express his solidarity, and was impressed by the
spirit of the people of Istanbul, who are already rebuilding.


EU surprisingly alarmist
--------------



5. (C) Guler noted that, while U.S. support for Turkey has
been strong in the wake of the attacks, "our European friends
have been unexpectedly worried." He said that 25 percent of
tourists coming to Turkey visit Istanbul, and recent EU
statements saying that Turkey and Istanbul are not safe hurt
Turkey, which is what the terrorists want. U/S Grossman
noted that in the past the USG has tried to focus the
attention of our European allies on terrorist groups which
attack Turkey. He said it is unfortunate that the EU often
takes too long to see these groups as terrorists. U/S
Grossman noted, however, that we will continue to work with
the EU and others to keep them focused on these groups,
closing their offices and cutting off their finances. U/S
Grossman highlighted the upcoming NATO Summit in Istanbul as
a major opportunity for Turkey to show the EU and others its
progress in democracy, economic, and social development over
the last 20-25 years.


Attackers' Profile and Whereabouts
--------------



6. (C) Guler addressed the issue of cooperation with Syria in
pursuing suspected bombers. He said that it now appears that
Azad Ekinci planned the attacks, and that he had escaped to
Syria. Syria quickly responded to the attacks by arresting
20 people and immediately turning them over to Turkey. After
interrogation by GoT officials, it became clear than most of
these people had little to nothing to do with the attacks
(most of whom were school children),and only one was finally
arrested. Guler said Turkey knows for the most part who the
assailants are, and believes 4-5 people are still at large,
and probably entered Syria at the time of or soon after the
attacks. Guler added that he believes Syria is "trying to be
as helpful as possible within the framework of the Adana
Agreement between Turkey and Syria."



7. (C) When asked about the possibility of any links that
these terrorists may have with Iran, Guler replied that
"Turkey has no problems with Iran. One key figure, Yusuf
Polat, was caught by Iranians at the border." Guler said
that "it is quite clear that a group of friends came together
in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Syria. But, the button for
this attack was pushed by al-Qaida." Guler described the
group as a "platform," which was organized and trained
abroad, but which hosted others who came from outside and
carried out the attacks. He noted that this "platform" type
of organization made detection difficult.


Cooperation in war on terror
--------------



8. (C) U/S Grossman also expressed thanks on behalf of the
USG for the assistance and protection that U.S. military and
diplomatic personnel have received in Istanbul. "We
appreciate your efforts to keep us safe," he said. "We
remain ready to cooperate with you in an effort to stop these
terrorists."



9. (U) U/S Grossman cleared on this cable.
ARNETT