TURKEY AND IRAQ AGREE TO FIRST MEETING ON TRUCKER

UNCLAS ANKARA 006312 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETRD IZ MOPS PREL PTER TU SUBJECT: TURKEY AND IRAQ AGREE TO FIRST MEETING ON TRUCKER AND CONTRACTOR SECURITY REF: A. STATE 195610 ¶B. ANKARA 5997 Sensitive But Unclassified ¶1. (SBU) Sedef Yavuzalp of the Foreign Ministry Deputy Directorate General for Bilateral Economic Affairs informed us that Turkey and Iraq have agreed to the U.S. proposal (Ref a) to hold regular meetings on trucker and contractor security issues, including sharing of current intelligence and operational information. According to Yavuzalp, the Iraqis proposed that the first meeting take place at the end of November. Turkey is proposing November 29 at the Habur Gate area. She said the Iraqi delegation will be led by an Under Secretary from the Foreign Ministry and will include civilian, military and intelligence officials. ¶2. (SBU) Action Request: It is encouraging that the Turks and Iraqis have established a dialogue and are moving ahead. Embassy recommends that we agree to the proposed dates for the meeting and requests Department guidance to respond to the MFA proposal, including identification of U.S. military participation. EDELMAN