PSI: TURKEY FORMS INTERMINISTERIAL COORDINATION

UNCLAS ANKARA 002674

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREL TU
SUBJECT: PSI: TURKEY FORMS INTERMINISTERIAL COORDINATION
GROUP



1. (SBU) Osman Yavuzalp, Head of Department MFA Arms Control
and Disarmament Affairs, on May 6 informed EXBS Advisor that
the previous day the GOT held their first Interministerial
Coordination Meeting to discuss Turkish participation in PSI
and what steps Turkey will take in promoting PSI. The
meeting was chaired by DDG for Arms Control Bulent Meric and
BG Haldun Solmazturk, Department of Disarmament and
International Security, Turkish General Staff(J5),and
included representatives from MFA, the Turkish General Staff,
Turkish Customs and other ministries. .


2. (SBU) Topics discussed during the afternoon long meeting
included:


A. Establishment of smaller working groups to better
concentrate on the various parts of PSI; maritime, land and
air.


B. A detailed discussion of proposed and actual
participation in the upcoming Spanish PSI exercise.


C. The basic scenarios that will form the Turkish led
exercise next year, and the goal to have the basic scenarios
outlined so that they can present the information at the next
Operational Experts Meeting in Copenhagen in July.


D. Marking of the Second Anniversary of the announcement of
the Proliferation Security Initiative.


3. (SBU) Yavuzalp informed EXBS Advisor that this group will
most likely begin monthly meetings starting in June. The
goal of the group is to increase PSI-like activities being
conducted by Turkey within this region.


4. (SBU) Comment: Bringing together the many parts of the
Turkish government that could be involved in PSI like
activities, shows the new commitment that Turkey has in
support of PSI and in their desires to be a leader in the
region. We will continue to encourage this positive GOT
attitude. End Comment.

EDELMAN