CONVERSATION WITH MFA ON TRUCKERS' STRIKE, FUEL

UNCLAS ANKARA 007119

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EPET ENRG MOPS PREL IZ TU
SUBJECT: CONVERSATION WITH MFA ON TRUCKERS' STRIKE, FUEL
SHORTAGE

REF: BAGHDAD 2282


1. (SBU) The Charge called senior Turkish MFA Special Envoy
on Iraq, Ambassador Ahmed Koruturk, regarding the fuel
shortages in Iraq and the Turkish truckers' strike. Charge
informed Koruturk that the severity of fuel shortages in Iraq
was growing, pointing out that the truckers' strike was a
contributing, but not the sole, factor.


2. (SBU) The Charge noted that we were getting mixed messages
from different parties: Iraq Ministry of Oil, SOMO, and
Turkish contractors. Note: Post's continues to hear from
Turkish contractors that communication from SOMO is
inadequate. End Note. The Charge encouraged the Turkish
authorities to talk to contractors to make sure the
contractors are communicating to SOMO what they think is
necessary to resolve the strike.


3. (SBU) Koruturk agreed this was a serious problem and one
that the GOT would like to contribute to solving. Though
commercial issues are important, Koruturk felt security
issues were also still important. He said he would instruct
his colleagues to speak to the contractors about engaging
with SOMO.


4. (U) Baghdad Minimize considered.
DEUTSCH