AFGHANISTAN: TURKS NEARING DECISION ON PRTS;

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 000920

SIPDIS


DEPT FOR AFGHANISTAN COORDINATOR TAYLOR, SA, EUR/SE, EUR/RPM


E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/30/2013
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS TU AF
SUBJECT: AFGHANISTAN: TURKS NEARING DECISION ON PRTS;
INABILITY TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON OUR COMMITMENT ON TU HELOS
FOR ISAF MAY IMPACT FUTURE TU CONTRIBUTIONS

(U) Classified by DCM Robert Deutsch. Reasons: 1.5 (B and
D).


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SUMMARY
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1. (C) MFA and TGS agree in principle that Turkey should lead
a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Afghanistan. They
intend to finalize their discussions by February 18 and seek
the Prime Minister's backing (both political and financial)
for Turkey to lead a PRT. If the PM concurs, the GOT intends
to approach us to discuss desired location of the PRT and
when Turkey may be able to stand it up. While their focus
remains on PRTs, the MFA and TGS continue to discuss in
general terms whether Turkey should increase its contribution
to ISAF and/or contribute to OEF operations. At the same
time, however, our contacts have cautioned us that the USG's
inability to follow through on its commitment to take care of
the airlift required to transport the Turkish helicopters to
Afghanistan for ISAF may adversely impact Turkey's
willingness to do more in Afghanistan. The GOT remains
interested in holding consultations in Ankara with
Afghanistan Coordinator Taylor and has proposed three
alternative dates in mid-March. We request a response. End
summary.



2. (C) During a February 13 meeting, MFA DDG for South Asian
Affairs Aydin Evergin offered to deputy pol-mil counselor the
following information on Afghanistan-related issues:


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DEFENSE INFORMALS
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--Minister of Defense Gonul told SECDEF and the other Allies
during the Defense Informals earlier this month in Germany
that Turkey was considering making a contribution to
Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) in Afghanistan,
including possibly leading one. The press reports after the
Informals (which reported that Turkey had announced it would
lead a PRT) "were wrong."


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PRTS: TURKEY CLOSE TO A DECISION
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--On February 18, the MFA, TGS and other Turkish agencies
will meet to finalize their deliberations on whether Turkey
should lead a PRT. The expected result: a recommendation to
the Prime Minister that he back (both politically and
financially) Turkey leading a PRT. TGS tells the MFA that it
does not have the resources in its current operating budget
to finance a PRT.


--If the PM concurs, the GOT will approach us to discuss
desired location of a Turkish-led PRT and when the Turks
might be able to stand up the PRT. (The MFA and TGS have
some proposed locations in mind, but when pressed, Evergin
declined to discuss specifics.) The MFA and TGS also want to
send a team to Afghanistan to observe existing US-led PRTs
and to "pick the brains" of US personnel assigned there.


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TURKISH HELICOPTERS FOR ISAF
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--The Turkish military is anxious to resolve the issue of who
will provide the airlift for the three helicopters that
Turkey has offered to backfill ISAF requirements. NATO is
pressing the Turks to send the helicopters.


--US military officials told their Turkish counterparts the
US would provide the airlift. (Note: this may be a
reference to a statement made by VCJCS GEN. Pace during his
early December visit to Ankara, when he told TGS D/CHOD GEN.
Basbug "you provide the helos, we will take care of the
lift." After deputy pol-mil counselor's discussion with the
MFA's Evergin, MFA and MOD officials claimed to the DATT that
SECDEF had told MOD Gonul at the December NATO Informal that
Turkey would not have to pay for the airlift for the Turkish
helos to ISAF. The Turkish officials went on to say that
they recommended to TGS and MFA that the GOT support the helo
request based on that understanding. End note.)


--The GOT believes it has done its part by responding
positively to the USG's request and offering the helicopters.
It is now waiting for the US to do its part.


--The Turkish military is not pleased with recent suggestions
by some Allies that Turkey now provide its own lift.


--The USG's apparent inability to follow through on its
commitment on the airlift may impact adversely the GOT's
decision whether to make further contributions to
Afghanistan. (Note: MFA and MND officials told DATT
separately that the MFA and MND are prepared to recommend
that Turkey lead a PRT if the ISAF helo airlift support issue
can be resolved to Turkey's satisfaction. End note.)


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OTHER POSSIBLE TURKISH CONTRIBUTIONS
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--Turks are aware the US and NATO are interested in having
Turkey do more in Afghanistan.


--The MFA and TGS are discussing in general terms whether
Turkey can or should do more in the way of support for OEF or
ISAF. Turkey's present focus is on PRTs.


--Turkey is not clear on the US priority in Afghanistan. Is
it PRTs? OEF? ISAF?


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CONSULTATIONS WITH AMBASSADOR TAYLOR
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--The GOT remains interested in convening formal
consultations in Ankara with Afghanistan Coordinator Taylor.


--Turks would like to discuss the following issues: OEF,
ISAF, PRTs, reconstruction, political/economic developments
in Afghanistan, Bonn meeting. It is especially important to
have the "right" US military officials accompany Ambassador
Taylor to discuss PRT, OEF and ISAF operations in detail and
to answer any questions/address any concerns the Turkish
military may have.


--In response to the request from the US for acceptable dates
in mid-March, the MFA proposes the following dates: March 11,
12, or 19.



3. (C) Action request: we request that the Department advise
when Ambassador Taylor might be able to travel to Ankara for
consultations.
EDELMAN