EXBS: TURKEY ADVISOR MONTHLY REPORTING CABLE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 000124 SIPDIS DEPT FOR NP/ECC- PVANSON, ACHURCH, TGROEN DEPT FOR EUR/ACE- DMARTING, DMCCORMICK CBP/INA FOR PWALKER, RGALBRAITH USDOE/NNSA FOR TPERRY DOC FOR PETERSON-BEARD USCG FOR BGOLDEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KNNP KSTC MNUC PARM TU SUBJECT: EXBS: TURKEY ADVISOR MONTHLY REPORTING CABLE (DECEMBER 2004) REF: STATE 146478 ¶1. Summary: EXBS advisor focused on updating the status of previously introduced initiatives with new GOT MFA points of contact. The advisor also began the planning with MFA and Customs officials on courses of action for the upcoming year, to focus on the most practical and best use of potential resources. Finally, EXBS advisor continued to actively coordinate the approval of the NP Cooperation Agreement. This agreement, once signed, will greatly increase the types of cooperation that can be utilized to enhance the effectiveness of the EXBS program in Turkey. ¶2. Completed Actions for the Reporting Period ¶A. Site Assessment and Meetings During Recent Reporting Period 1) December 13- EXBS advisor met with new Deputy Director General for OSCE, Arms Control and Disarmament, Bulent Meric and new Head of Department, Arms Control and Disarmament Sabri Ergen. EXBS adviser reviewed all current projects in progress in Turkey, including ICP, CIT and SLD. EXBS Advisor also proposed preliminary discussions to bring the Product Identification Tool project to Turkey. Finally, EXBS Advisor led a general discussion concerning the NP Cooperation Agreement and Turkey,s future participation in the PSI experts working group and upcoming exercises in Portugal and Spain. Meric stated that Turkey was intending to participate in both exercises. 2) December 16- EXBS advisor met with Department Head for Customs Enforcement Mehmet Guzel to review the proposed Risk Management Workshop for Turkish Customs officials. Following the review it was agreed that GOT would most benefit from two workshops for different segments of the Customs Ministry and other GOT personnel. EXBS advisor also reviewed the status of other projects, including ICP, CIT and the upcoming PIT project. Additionally, EXBS Adviser was briefed by Guzel on current operations in the &Green Zone8 between border crossings and on current operations at the border crossing with Iraq at Habur Gate. 3) December 21- EXBS Advisor forwarded the latest proposed NP Agreement to DDG, Arms Control and Disarmament Bulent Meric, for review and approval by the GOT. ¶B. Training Conducted During Reporting Period: None. ¶C. Equipment Delivered During Reporting Period: None ¶D. Imminent Training or Equipment Status Update: None ¶E. Significant Developments in Export Controls, Nonproliferation, or Related Border Security 1) The United States provided GOT the latest approved update on the NP Cooperation Agreement. The newest proposal has only minor clarification wording and will be distributed for inter-ministerial comment and approval. If approved, necessary steps will be completed for signature early in ¶2005. ¶3. Future Activities ¶A. Jan 11-13- EXBS Advisor to be part of Embassy Team participating in discussions on border operations at the Habur Gate crossing on the Iraq border. ¶B. Jan 14-17 - DOS NP/NE and DOE team scheduled to visit Ankara and Istanbul to discuss research reactor conversions and spent fuel returns to the United States. Meetings will take place with the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) and at the Cekmece Research Reactors. ¶C. Feb 1-4 - DOC team scheduled to visit Ankara to introduce the Product Identification Tool to members of the Turkish government. This tool can improve the resources available to Turkish Customs official at the border processing locations. ¶D. Feb 21-25 (tent)- DOE SLD Team to conduct follow on visit to Ankara to finalize list of priority of border locations for installation of equipment and to begin planning for site surveys. ¶E. Mar 21- Apr 5, 2005 - EXBS Advisor to conduct program consultations in Washington DC. and leave. ¶4. Red Flag Issues- None ¶5. Contact Information for EXBS Adviser ) Kevin Lyon, phone (90)(312) 455-5555 ext 2525, fax (90)(312) 468-4775, email LyonK@state.gov. EDELMAN