PM ERDOGAN ASKS POTUS TO RELEASE THREE TURKISH

S E C R E T ANKARA 003732

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR/SE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/30/2029
TAGS: MOPS PREL AF TU
SUBJECT: PM ERDOGAN ASKS POTUS TO RELEASE THREE TURKISH
NATIONALS AT GTMO

REF: ANKARA 2544

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Deutsch. Reasons: 1.4 (
B and D).


1. (U) This is an action request. See para 3.


2. (U) The Turkish press is reporting that PM Erdogan asked
President Bush during their June 27 meeting in Ankara to
release the three remaining Turkish nationals under detention
at GTMO. The President reportedly said he would look into
the matter.


3. (S) Action request: PM Erdogan did raise the issue with
the President. To follow up on this discussion, we request
the Department provide us an update on the status of the
remaining Turks at GTMO, including an assessment of when/if
they can be expected to be released, and the impact of the
recent Supreme Court decision on their status.
EDELMAN