AFGHANISTAN AND PRTS: TURKS SET ON TAKHAR

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 002822

SIPDIS


STATE FOR EUR/SE, SA


E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/18/2014
TAGS: PREL MOPS TU AF
SUBJECT: AFGHANISTAN AND PRTS: TURKS SET ON TAKHAR


REF: ANKARA 2736 AND PREVIOUS


(U) Classified by Ambassador Eric S. Edelman. Reasons: 1.5
(B and D).



1. (C) On the margins of a meeting on Cyprus (septel),MFA
U/S Ziyal reiterated to Ambassador and UK Ambassador
Westmacott that Turkey is committed to establishing a
Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Takhar and is not
considering alternative locations.



2. (C) UK Amb. Westmacott opened the discussion on
Afghanistan by observing there were a number of confusing
messages on priority desired locations for new PRTs. He
noted there were security holes in Afghanistan that needed to
be filled, and NATO was worried. Westmacott also
acknowledged that Turkey is providing three helicopters for
ISAF.



3. (C) Ziyal said Turkey was planning on deploying the 3rd
Corps in Istanbul to Afghanistan from February to August 2005
when they expect the NATO HRF to assume command of ISAF.
1,500 troops would be deployed, and the GOT already had
provided PM Erdogan a cost estimate. Ziyal added that Turkey
was prepared to establish a PRT where it would be useful.
Westmacott said that new PRTs were needed in the West and the
South, not in Takhar. Ziyal said there were a number of good
reasons why it made sense for Turkey to establish a PRT in
Takhar, including logistics, familiarity with the region, and
ease of communication with the local population. In
particular, they were concerned about their traditionally
poor relations with Pushtuns, which suggested that it would
be better if Turkey worked with other ethnic groups. Ziyal
acknowledged sensitivities about Turkey working with Dostum.



4. (C) Amb. Edelman noted that the PRT Executive Steering
Committee (ESC) in Kabul had produced a map identifying
priority locations for new PRTs. He suggested Turkey review
the map. Ziyal replied that Turkey needed to establish a PRT
where it felt it will be most useful. He expressed the
concern that otherwise, the PRT would be "counterproductive"
to Turkey's other efforts in Afghanistan and undermine future
Turkish contributions.
EDELMAN