TURKISH BUSINESSMAN OFFERS 1.2 MILLION BOTTLES

UNCLAS ANKARA 005193 SIPDIS DEPT FOR HURRICANE KATRINA TASK FORCE DEPT PLEASE PASS DHS FOR FEMA/OIA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR EAID PREL TU SUBJECT: TURKISH BUSINESSMAN OFFERS 1.2 MILLION BOTTLES OF WATER TO RELIEF EFFORT Ref: (A) STATE 163278 (B) STATE 163729 (C) STATE 163366 ¶1. This is an action cable. Please see para 6. ¶2. Summary: Turkish businessman Hasan Akincioglu has offered 1.2 million bottles of US Army VETCOM approved water to the relief efforts. Akincioglu has worked for 35 years with the US military stationed at Incirlik Air Force Base in Adana. He requested assistance from the USG in transporting the cargo to the US. If it is possible to load this cargo on the empty planes returning daily from Incirlik, or if sea transport can be arranged, this is a golden opportunity to help those in need. End Summary. ¶3. On September 5, Turkish businessman Hasan Akincioglu offered to donate 100,000 cases (1.2 million bottles) of US Army VETCOM approved drinking water to relief efforts. He has worked for 35 years with the US military stationed in Turkey and is experienced in moving large amounts of cargo. The water is located in Adana near the Incirlik base. ¶4. Akincioglu requested assistance in transporting the cargo from Adana to the US. He suggested the military aircraft that regularly fly in and out of Incirlik. ¶5. Comment: According to DAO, Akincioglu is a trusted and experienced supplier who has worked with the US military in Turkey for many years. If it is possible to load this water, which is already located at Incirlik, onto the empty planes that return daily from Incirlik to the US, or to find a way to transport the cargo by sea, this could be a golden opportunity to assist those in need. End comment. ¶6. Action Request: Post requests Department guidance regarding this offer. Point of contact is Disaster Management Officer Rebecca Patrick (x.2255). MCELDOWNEY