EXBS: TURKISH COMMENTS TO LATEST NP COOPERATION

UNCLAS ANKARA 002194 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KSTC PARM PREL TU US SUBJECT: EXBS: TURKISH COMMENTS TO LATEST NP COOPERATION AND ASSITANCE AGREEMENT REF: STATE 26836 ¶1. This is an action request- see para 4. ¶2. We have discussed the latest U.S. draft NP Cooperation and Assistance Agreement with MFA DDG for Arms Control and Disarmament Bulent Meric and other MFA representatives on several occasions since originally delivering it to the GOT in February, 2005. Throughout March, MFA coordinated the text with other GOT ministries. On April 6, MFA provided us with comments on the latest draft; on April 18, MFA provided us with a Turkish translation of the latest draft that we faxed to NP/ECC that afternoon. ¶3. The following are the changes requested by the GOT to the text in reftel. (We sent a word document of the text with these changes by email to NP/ECC on April 11): a. Introduction paragraph 4- line 3 insert the term "software" after the term database. b. Part II- line 1 insert the term "software" after the term database. c. Part IV- line 1 insert the term "software" after the term database. ¶4. Action request: We request the Department review both the English and Turkish version of the Agreement and advise whether the USG will accept the Agreement as presented. If both versions of the Agreement are acceptable, we request authorization to sign the Agreement. Note: Following the signing by both governments, the GOT will need to submit the Agreement to their parliament for final approval. ¶5. Comment: Both Governments have worked hard on this agreement for over two years. Signing of this agreement would mark a significant step in the EXBS program and allow an increase in the cooperation efforts in the EXBS program. Evaluation and reply as soon as possible would be appreciated. EDELMAN