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