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