TIP DEMARCHE DELIVERED, TURKISH MFA AVERS DEEP

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 003427 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR G/TIP, G, INL, DRL, EUR/PGI, EUR/SE E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/16/2014 TAGS: KCRM PHUM PGOV SMIG PREF KWMN TU TIP IN TURKEY SUBJECT: TIP DEMARCHE DELIVERED, TURKISH MFA AVERS DEEP DISAPPOINTMENT REF: A. A) STATE 126025 ¶B. B) STATE 109863 ¶C. C) STATE 119407 (U) Classified by Polcounselor John Kunstadter; reasons: 1.5 (b,d). ¶1. (C) June 14 Polcounselor delivered reftel points, TIP backgrounder and Turkey TIP Narrative to MFA DDG for Consular Affairs Haldun Otman. DDG Otman averred deep disappointment in Turkey's designation. TIP officer reviewed reasons for Turkey's Tier 2 Watch List ranking, noting that much of Turkey's anti-TIP momentum came late in the reporting period and therefore provided little opportunity to demonstrate measurable progress. TIP officer requested and MFA Consular Affairs assistant accepted follow-up appointment to further review narrative and discuss future efforts to increase the flow of TIP-related information. ¶2. (C) In a complication for notional plans for Secretary Powell to attend dedication of a TIP Victims' Shelter during the Istanbul NATO Summit, Otman confirmed reports that facilities initially identified for a TIP victims' shelter are not available. Instead, Otman asserted that the NGO Human Resources Development Foundation (HRDF),MFA and the Istanbul Municipality are endeavoring to locate 2 rental apartment units which may be converted into a single shelter. To date, specific facilities have not been identified. Polcounselor highlighted the importance of immediate action, particularly given the Secretary's commitment to attend a dedication ceremony for the facility. Otman asserted that progress depends on 1) HRDF's ability to quickly locate suitable facilities, 2) the municipality's ability to close on a rental agreement with property owner/s, and 3) further pressure from MFA on the Istanbul Municipality and HRDF to sign a cooperative protocol. Embassy Ankara continues to urge swift action. EDELMAN